Basil

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We grow over 20 varieties of basil at our Gold Coast nursery, from classic sweet basil through to rare tulsi and holy basil varieties. All organically grown and shipped as established seedlings, ready to plant.

Learn more about this collection

Basil is one of the most popular herbs in Australian gardens, and we have spent over 30 years building a basil collection that goes well beyond the standard supermarket plant. Our range covers everything from kitchen staples to medicinal and ornamental varieties, all organically grown right here on the Gold Coast.

Sweet basil is the classic culinary variety and our biggest seller. It is the one you want for pesto, pasta, salads and anything Italian. For Asian cooking, Thai basil has the anise-like flavour you need for stir-fries, curries and pho, while Thai holy basil brings the peppery heat used in Thai pad krapao. We also carry Thai bush basil, a compact variety that works well in pots.

Our tulsi and holy basil range is one of the most comprehensive in Australia. Tulsi Krishna and Tulsi Kapoor are traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice and make a fragrant, calming tea. Tulsi Vana is another sacred variety with a lighter, more floral character. If you are looking for holy basil as a garden plant, these varieties are all easy to grow in warm Australian conditions.

Beyond the kitchen, we stock specialty basils for fragrance and ornament. Dark opal basil has deep purple leaves that look stunning in the garden and on the plate. Cinnamon basil, lime basil and Mrs Burns lemon basil each bring their own twist to teas, cocktails and desserts. African blue basil and perennial basil are both perennial types that come back year after year, so you do not have to replant each spring.

Not sure which variety to pick? Sweet basil is the best starting point for most gardeners. If you enjoy Asian cooking, add Thai basil. If you want a basil that lasts through winter, go with perennial basil. Browse our full herb plants range or visit our blog for growing guides.

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About Basil

We grow over 20 varieties of basil at our Gold Coast nursery, covering everything from the classic sweet basil you need for pesto through to rare tulsi and holy basil varieties used in Ayurvedic tradition. Our basil plants are all organically grown and shipped as established seedlings, ready to go straight into your garden or pot.

Whether you are after a single sweet basil plant for the kitchen windowsill or want to explore unusual varieties like cinnamon basil, Thai holy basil or perennial basil, you will find them here. Visit our blog for tips on growing basil in Australian conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What varieties of basil can I grow in Australia?

Australia's warm climate suits a wide range of basil varieties. Sweet basil is the most popular for cooking. Thai basil and Thai holy basil are essential for Asian dishes. Greek basil is a compact variety that works well in pots. For something different, try cinnamon, lime or lemon basil. We grow over 20 varieties at our nursery, including rare tulsi types that are hard to find elsewhere.

When is the best time to plant basil in Australia?

Basil is a warm-season herb, so plant it in spring and summer once overnight temperatures stay above 15 degrees. In Queensland and northern Australia, you can plant basil for most of the year. In southern states like Victoria and Tasmania, wait until October or November. Basil does not handle frost, so if you are in a cooler area, grow it in a pot that you can move under cover on cold nights.

What is holy basil and how is it different from sweet basil?

Holy basil (also called tulsi) is a sacred herb in Indian tradition, traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice for its calming and adaptogenic properties. It has a stronger, more peppery and clove-like flavour compared to the mild, sweet taste of sweet basil. We carry several holy basil varieties including Thai holy basil, Tulsi Krishna and Tulsi Kapoor. Holy basil makes a lovely herbal tea and grows easily in warm Australian gardens.

Can basil grow as a perennial in Australia?

Most basil varieties are annuals that die off in winter, but a few types are perennial and will come back year after year in frost-free areas. Perennial basil (Ocimum x africanum) and African blue basil are both reliable perennials in Queensland and other warm regions. They are also tougher and more pest-resistant than annual basils. In cooler climates, you can grow them in pots and bring them inside over winter.

What is the difference between Thai basil and sweet basil?

Sweet basil has soft, rounded leaves and a mild, slightly peppery flavour. It is the standard basil for Italian cooking, pesto and salads. Thai basil has narrower, sturdier leaves with a distinctive anise and liquorice flavour. Thai basil holds up much better in hot dishes like stir-fries and curries, whereas sweet basil tends to wilt when cooked at high heat. Both grow easily in Australian conditions.

Do you ship basil plants across Australia?

We ship basil plants via Australia Post Express to keep them fresh. We can ship to all states except Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania due to quarantine restrictions on live plants. Each plant is carefully wrapped and dispatched Monday to Wednesday so it does not sit in transit over a weekend. See our shipping information page for full details.

About Basil

Frequently asked questions

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