Italian Large Leaf
Basil in the UK

You can get your basil seeds going in April and May, like I say, it's all about warmth. Sow them shallow, just a few millimetres deep, in trays or small pots filled with good seed compost. Keep them cosy on a sunny windowsill, in a heated propagator, or in the greenhouse if you've got one, aiming for around 18-21°C. Some varieties can go straight outside in May once the soil warms up, but most of us will start them off indoors for a better head start. Thin them out a bit if they come up too thick, giving each seedling a bit of space.

Once your little basil plants have a couple of true leaves, it's time to prick them out gently into their own small pots. They're quite tender, so don't be rushing them outside until all danger of frost has passed – that's usually mid to late May up here in the North, a bit earlier further south. Give them a few days to harden off in a cold frame or sheltered spot outside before planting them out on the plot, spaced about 20cm apart. They do proper well in containers too, so a big pot on the patio is often a good shout.