diff --git a/bundles/postgresql/items.py b/bundles/postgresql/items.py
index f36e4bd..becbcb1 100644
--- a/bundles/postgresql/items.py
+++ b/bundles/postgresql/items.py
@@ -46,6 +46,10 @@ files = {
         'context': node.metadata['postgresql'],
         'owner': 'postgres',
         'group': 'postgres',
+        'needs': {
+            # postgresql won't start if the configured locale isn't available
+            'action:locale-gen',
+        } if node.has_bundle('basic') else set(),
         'triggers': {
             'svc_systemd:postgresql:restart',
         },