- Give basil a moist, well-drained garden spot that gets six to eight hours of sun each day. ...
- These plants thrive in rich soil with lots of organic matter, such as compost, and need a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. ...
- If your results indicate that you need amendments, work them into the soil before planting. ...
- If you’re planting basil seeds outdoors, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is about 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
- There are many varieties to choose from, so sow the seeds as far apart as directed on your seed package. Plant extras, in case some don’t come up. ...
- Once you see a few pairs of leaves on each plant, thin the plants to 6 to 12 inches apart. ...
- If you’d rather start with purchased plants, again, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature in your garden is around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Space the plants 12 to 16 inches apart. Depending on the variety, they'll grow 12 to 24 inches tall. Water them in thoroughly.
How to successfully grow Basil?
- Plant basil by seed in ¼ inch deep inside the soil. ...
- Before you start planting, moisturize the soil since basil plants love moisture. ...
- Once your seedlings start producing six leaves, you need to prune them above the second leaf set. ...
- Every time the branch shows 6 to 8 leaves, prune the branches again to the first leaves set.
When to start Basil indoors?
To help ensure the greatest success of your basil seeds germinating you should:
- Use a heat mat to ensure the gardening pot remains at 70 degrees Fahrenheit
- Use a grow light to control how much light your basil seeds receive
- Water your seeds with a spray bottle to ensure your seeds are not overwatered
How to start Basil indoors?
How to Grow Basil Indoors
- Sunlight. Whether being grown indoors or outdoors, basil plants need ample light—at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
- Temperature and Humidity. Keep your basil somewhere in your home that boasts an average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Watering. ...
- Fertilizer. ...
- Pruning and Maintenance. ...
How to grow Basil outdoors and in a pot?
Tips On How To Grow Basil in a Pot
- Find a Sunny Spot. Basil needs a warm and sunny place to grow. ...
- Choosing a Container. Basil can grow in almost anything. ...
- Start from Seed. Basil is amazingly easy to grow from seed. ...
- Feeding and Watering. Basil is water-sensitive. ...
- Harvesting. It is necessary to pinch back your basil often for it to grow bushy instead of tall and lean. ...
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Can basil seeds be planted outside?
For outdoor growing, sow basil seeds throughout late spring for transplanting to the garden after the summer solstice. Or direct sow in early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Basil requires warm soil and full sun.
When can basil seedlings be planted outside?
To get a jump on the season, start the seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last spring frost. (See local frost dates.) To plant outside, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 50°F (10°C)—preferably around 70ºF (21°C) for best growth. Nighttime temperatures shouldn't drop below 50°F (10°C).
How do you plant basil seedlings outside?
Tips for Growing BasilChoose a location with great drainage. Whether you're growing basil outdoors in the ground or in a container, the drainage needs to be excellent.Choose a location with good sun. ... Choose growing basil seeds or plants. ... Wait until the temperature is right. ... Harvest often. ... Remove flowers.
How long does basil take to grow from seed?
How long does it take for basil to grow from seed? Basil germinates in 7 to 10 days after planting. It's usually ready for harvest within 3 to 4 weeks.
Does basil need sun to germinate?
No, basil seeds do not need light in order to germinate. But you should only cover them with a thin layer of soil, and don't bury them too deep.
How often should I water basil seeds?
Basil seedlings: Water basil seedlings once every two days and water in the morning. If the temperature is high and the soil is noticeably drying then water every day with a good soak.
How do you keep basil alive outside?
Keep the soil of your basil plants slightly moist at all times. Depending on how much sun your basil gets, you might need to water your basil plant every 1-2 days. But make sure that the pot has good drainage, because soggy soil can lead to rotting roots.
Can basil be left outside?
Basil can survive outside for brief periods of cold as long as you take proper precautions, and temperatures don't hit freezing. Covering your basil plant is a good way to protect it from the elements and lock in warmth. Just make sure to remove the covering as soon as temperatures rise again to prevent overheating.
Does basil like full sun?
Whether you are growing basil indoors or outdoors, it needs a warm and sunny spot to thrive. 1 Six to eight hours of direct sunlight is perfect, though if you live in a really hot climate, give your basil some afternoon shade for relief. Basil can get too much sun and if it does, it can develop leaf burn.
What month should I plant basil?
Plant basil 2 weeks after the last spring frost. This flavorful herb is perfect for raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space basil according to label recommendations, usually 12 to 18 inches apart. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
How many basil seeds should I plant?
Put 4 to 6 basil seeds in a pot. Once the seedlings have their first set of true leaves, thin to 1 or 2 plants per pot. Basil transplants well, but the plants will appreciate being protected from wind and sun for the first several days.
How many seeds do I plant per hole?
In general, two to three seeds should be planted per hole. Seeds do not have 100% germination rates, so not every seed planted will sprout. Overseeding holes, cells, or pots will help ensure that the number of plants you desire will grow (or more!).
Can you keep potted basil outside?
Whether you are growing basil indoors or outdoors, it needs a warm and sunny spot to thrive. 1 Six to eight hours of direct sunlight is perfect, though if you live in a really hot climate, give your basil some afternoon shade for relief. Basil can get too much sun and if it does, it can develop leaf burn.
Can basil be left outside?
Basil can survive outside for brief periods of cold as long as you take proper precautions, and temperatures don't hit freezing. Covering your basil plant is a good way to protect it from the elements and lock in warmth. Just make sure to remove the covering as soon as temperatures rise again to prevent overheating.
Can basil get too much sun?
Basil leaves begin to turn yellow or brown when the plant is getting too much sun. Shortly after that, the plant will begin to wilt which makes the leaves fold. Plants do this to decrease the surface area of their leaves which reduces the amount of sunlight they absorb.
How do you keep basil alive outside?
Keep the soil of your basil plants slightly moist at all times. Depending on how much sun your basil gets, you might need to water your basil plant every 1-2 days. But make sure that the pot has good drainage, because soggy soil can lead to rotting roots.
What is the easiest basil to grow from seed?
These are the easiest basil to grow from seed and plant. Also, these five provide the most uses. 1. Sweet Basil. Buy on Amazon. Sweet Basil is the most common basil in the entire world.
How many pots do I need to plant basil?
Once you purchase your seeds you will need at least 1 type of pot to start your basil and two types of pots if you want to garden all year. I typically don’t recommend planting your seeds directly into the soil because disease, pests, and mother nature will damage or destroy too many of them.
What size pot should I use for basil?
Next, you’ll want a much larger pot if you do not plan on transplanting your basil into a garden. The reason for this is that 3 inch pots are great for seeds and starting small plants, but cannot sustain the root growth needed for basil leaf growth. I recommend: Viagrow 5 Gallon Nursery Pot. 4.
How long does it take for Thai basil to grow?
One of the biggest advantages of sweet Thai basil is that it retains its flavor in high temperatures. This type of basil is an annual herb that grows to be 14 inches high. It takes 60-90 days to mature and is perfect for small pots and gardens. 4. Purple Basil.
What is the best basil to use for pesto?
This is another popular basil among chefs and gardeners. Genovese basil has a stronger flavor that is bolder and sweeter than most basil. This basil can be used with olive oil, pesto, and on salads. This type of basil is an annual herb that grows 18 to 24 inches.
How high does purple basil grow?
The leaves of this herb are perfect to be added to vinegar and dishes. This type of purple basil is an annual herb that grows to 10-12 high. Like the other basil on this list, it can be picked 60-90 after seeds have been planted. 5.
How many leaves should I harvest for basil?
Below are critical tips to remember when harvesting basil: Harvest your basil plants under the leaves. Only harvest it when there are 2 to 3 leaves. This will allow more leaves to grow. I highly recommend only harvesting 20% of your basil at a time. This will allow more leaves to grow at a faster rate.
Why Grow Basil from Seed?
Growing basil seedlings doesn’t need to be intimidating, and has a number of clear benefits:
Is it Hard to Grow Basil Plants from Seed?
This is the most beautiful part about planting from basil seeds – they’re easy to grow, even for beginners, and it’s a nice introduction to herb planting, gardening and harvesting.
Different Types of Basil Plants You Can Grow
In North America, the most common type of basil is sweet Genovese basil ( Ocimum basilicum ). This is the variety you’ll naturally want to toss onto your freshly made pasta dish, or use to make a mean classic pesto.
How to Grow Basil from Seed
Planting basil from seed is easy. You don’t need anything special, and it’s one of those things that even beginners can do.
Frequently Asked Questions About
If you plant on growing your basil from seed in a seedling tray indoors, there are plenty of options.
What kind of conditions are needed to plant basil seeds?
Basil requires full sun, and can survive with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, and thrive with even more. It also needs consistently moist but well-draining soil conditions and warm temperatures (it doesn’t tolerate frost).
Final Thoughts About Growing Basil from Seed
I hope this guide to growing from seed has helped. Whether you want to grow basil indoors, and enjoy harvesting basil year round, regardless of the weather outside, or want to grow outdoors from seed, the article I hope this article is full of tips!
What to do before planting basil?
If you are new to gardening, there are a few key steps to take before planting your basil plants. Ensure that the potting soil is well-draining and moist. – Mix in some sand or perlite for drainage purposes.
How to harvest basil at the end of the season?
Look for the youngest leaves on the basil plant as these are the most tender and should be the first to be harvested. Place the leaves in a kitchen towel and squeeze the excess moisture.
How to grow a sage plant indoors?
Cover the planted seeds with an additional layer of potting soil and water thoroughly until dampened throughout the surface area. Start seeds indoors six weeks before last frost date or purchase starter plants from garden center. Keep temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit -90 degrees Fahrenheit for seedlings to grow.
Why is basil good outside?
Basil also thrives on cooler nights and there is less chance for fungus or mold when grown outside, which may be due to higher levels of oxygen and lower humidity levels. Basil grows the best outdoors, so it can take advantage of all that natural sunlight.
How to store basil leaves?
For best results, trim the stems of the basil leaves so that they will be easier to work with. If you trim the stems too close to the stem, you may end up with excess basil leaves. If that happens, you can store them in a plastic container .
How do you know if basil is shutting down?
Basil flowers are one of the first signs that a basil plant is shutting down and going into Asexual reproduction. If you have been growing your basil in order to harvest it, this may be frustrating. However, if you were growing it for its leaves or seeds, then this process can actually be helpful.
What does basil smell like?
Basil flowers can have a sweet scent like cloves or mint which makes them attractive as well as an ornamental plant in some areas of the world.
How to harvest basil leaves?
You can start harvesting basil leaves when the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall. Even if you are not using the leaves in cooking or drying or freezing them, picking leaves regularly will improve the plant's vitality. Basil leaves can be dried or frozen for use after harvest. Dried basil is convenient but at the cost of some flavor. Frozen basil has a stronger basil flavor than dried but at the cost of texture. Use frozen basil in cooked dishes. If you like to cook with basil and olive oil, blend fresh basil with your favorite olive oil and portion it into an ice tray for freezing. Store the frozen cubes in an airtight container.
How long does it take for basil to grow?
Basil is ready to start harvesting in about 60 to 90 days from seeding. Prevent your basil from blooming for as long as possible by harvesting or pinching off the top sets of leaves as soon as the plant reaches about 6 inches in height.
What is Genovese basil used for?
Basil can also be used fresh in salads, on sandwiches, or even as a wrap—around cheese cubes, for instance. One of the most popular culinary uses of Genovese basil is in the classic northern Italian pesto, traditionally made with fresh basil, Parmigiano Reggiano and Romano cheeses, fresh garlic, olive oil, and salt.
What is the name of the basil plant that has the largest leaves?
There are many cultivars of sweet basil, as well as other related species with unique tastes. Try these different kinds of basil: 'Genovese' ( Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese'): This variety has larger leaves than the species sweet basil, with all the flavor.
What is the difference between Thai basil and lemon basil?
Lemon basil (Ocimum basilicum x citriodorum): This is a hybrid plant with a distinct odor and taste of citrus. Thai basil (Ocimum. basilicum var. thyrsiflora): This variety of sweet basil has a sweeter taste with a hint of licorice. It is very common in Asian cuisine, especially Vietnamese dishes.
What pests are in basil plants?
Aphids are the biggest basil pest, especially with plants grown indoors. Beetles and slugs also can be a nuisance outdoors, creating holes in the leaves. Cover your entire plant with a soap solution of 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid to a full gallon of water to eradicate these pests.
How much sun does basil need?
Basil grows best with six to eight hours of full sun each day. Ample sun also means fewer disease problems and sturdier plants. This is the case except in the hottest climates, where basil prefers part shade.
