by Basil is a delicious herb that is used in a variety of dishes, but it can be expensive to buy at the store.
Did you know that you can grow basil from seed yourself for a fraction of the price?
All you need is a pot, some soil, and this easy-to-follow guide to growing basil from seed. In just a few weeks, you’ll have your own fresh supply of basil to use in your favorite recipes.
Growing basil from seed tips
When growing basil from seed, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:
- Basil seeds need warm temperatures to germinate, so be sure to plant them in a sunny location.
- The soil should be moist but not wet, and it is important to water regularly.
- Make sure to harvest the basil leaves before the flowers bloom, as this is when the flavor is at its best.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to growing your own basil from seed.
How to grow basil from seed
1. Start by planting the basil seeds in a pot. The soil should be moist but not wet, and it is important to water regularly.
2. Place the pot in a sunny location and make sure to keep the seeds warm (1). Basil seeds need warm temperatures to germinate.
3. Once the seeds have germinated, thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest ones remain.
4. When the basil plants are big enough, transplant them into individual pots or into your garden.
5. Water regularly and fertilize every few weeks.
6. Harvest the basil leaves when they are big enough to use. You can cut the entire plant back if you want, or just remove the leaves as you need them.
Grow basil from cuttings
Basil is easy to propagate from cuttings. Take a four-inch cutting from a healthy basil plant, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot of moistened potting mix. Keep the cutting warm and moist, and in about four weeks, you should see new growth.
Benefits of growing basil indoors
Basil is a great herb to grow indoors because it has many benefits. Basil is a good source of Vitamin A and K, and it also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, basil can help to purify the air and reduce stress levels.
One of the main reasons to grow basil indoors is that it can help to purify the air. Basil is a natural herb that can help to remove toxins from the air, which can be beneficial for your health. Additionally, basil can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
Another great reason to grow basil indoors is that it can help to protect you from colds and other respiratory illnesses.
Growing basil outdoors
Basil is a sun-loving herb that does best when grown outdoors. Start your plants from seed early in the spring, and be sure to give them plenty of room to grow. Basil need about 18 inches of space between plants.
When starting basil from seed, be sure to plant the seeds in well-drained soil. Water the plants regularly, but be sure not to over-water them. Basil likes to dry out a bit between waterings.
As your basil plants grow, you’ll need to pinch off the tips of the plants to encourage bushier growth. You can also harvest the leaves of your basil plants to use in cooking. Simply snip off the leaves you need, and allow the plant to continue growing.
With a little care, you can enjoy fresh basil all summer long!
Basil plant care indoor
It’s necessary to follow some tips for the best growth of your basil plant.
Water regularly
Water the basil seedlings regularly. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Water the seedlings from the bottom by placing the pots in a saucer of water. Allow the water to be absorbed from the holes in the bottom of the pot. Water the seedlings when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilize
Fertilize the basil seedlings every two weeks with a half-strength solution of a water-soluble fertilizer.
Pinch the leaves
As the basil seedlings grow, pinch off the leaves to encourage bushier growth.
Harvest the leaves
As soon as the basil seedlings have several sets of leaves, you can start harvesting the leaves. Cut off the leaves just above a set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce more leaves.
Dry the leaves
If you are not going to use the basil leaves right away, you can dry them for later use. Place the basil leaves on a plate and let them air dry. Once the leaves are dry, store them in an airtight container.
Sunny Spot
Place the plants in a sunny spot. Basil needs at least six hours of sunlight a day. If you live in a warm climate, you may need to place the plants in a spot where they will get some afternoon shade.
Temperature
Basil plants like it warm. The ideal temperature for basil is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will turn yellow and the plant will stop growing.
Basil sun requirements
Basil needs at least six hours of direct sun per day to grow well. Make sure to place your plants in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to provide some afternoon shade for your plants to prevent them from getting too much sun.
If you live in a cold zone, you will need to place your plants in a sunny spot that is sheltered from the wind. You may also need to provide some artificial light for your plants if they do not get enough sunlight.
Soil for Basil
Basil grows best in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 (2). If your soil is not ideal, you can improve it by adding organic matter. You can also grow basil in pots filled with potting mix.
To make your own potting mix, combine equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the mix.
If you are planting basil outdoors, wait until all danger of frost has passed. You can plant basil seeds or transplants after the last frost date in your area.
Basil water requirements
Basil plants need a lot of water to grow well. Make sure to water them regularly, and keep the soil moist. If the soil dries out, the plants will wilt and die.
To water basil plants, use a watering can or a garden hose with a sprinkler attachment. Water the plants at the base, being careful not to get water on the leaves. Water in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry out before nightfall.
If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you might not need to water your basil plants as often. Check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry.
Best way to harvest basil
The best way to harvest basil is to cut the stem just above a set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce more stems and leaves.
You can also cut the entire plant back by a third or so every couple of weeks to encourage bushier growth.
When harvesting, make sure to take off any leaves that are yellowing or browning as these will not be as flavorful.
Yes, basil will re-grow after harvest. New leaves will sprout from the stem that was cut, and the plant will grow back to its original size.
Repotting basil
Basil is a great herb to have in your garden, and it’s easy to grow from seed. Once your plants are a few inches tall, you’ll need to repot them into larger containers.
To repot basil, first choose a pot that is about twice the size of the current one. Fill the pot with fresh, moistened potting mix. Gently remove your basil plant from its current pot, and place it in the new one. Press the potting mix around the plant, and water well.
Basil prefers to grow in a sunny spot, so be sure to place your plant in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Water basil regularly, and fertilize every few weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer. With a little care, your basil plants will thrive and produce plenty of delicious leaves for you to enjoy.
Growing basil indoors in winter
Basil is a wonderful herb to grow indoors in winter. It’s easy to start from seed and the plants are very forgiving.
If you are growing basil indoors in winter, here are some things to consider:
- The plants will need more light than they would if you were growing them outdoors. A sunny windowsill is ideal, but you may need to supplement with grow lights.
- Be sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Basil likes it on the drier side, so be careful not to overwater.
- Pinch back the plants regularly to encourage bushiness.
- Harvest the leaves as needed. Basil is best used fresh, but you can also freeze or dry it for later use.
- One way to protect basil from cold air is to grow it in a pot and move it indoors when the temperature drops below 55 degrees F.
(Find out more: The temperature frost point for plants)
Why basil plant dying
There are a few reasons why your basil plant may be dying.
1. Soil
One possibility is that the soil is too dry. Basil plants like moist soil, so make sure to water your plant regularly.
2. Sun
Another possibility is that the plant is getting too much sun. Basil plants prefer partial sun, so if your plant is in direct sunlight all day, it may be struggling.
3. Pests
If you see little bugs crawling around on your plant, it may be infested with pests. Try spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap to get rid of the bugs.
4. Disease
Basil plants can sometimes be susceptible to disease. If your plant looks sickly, it may have a disease. Try treating the plant with a fungicide.
5. Stress
Sometimes, a basil plant will start to die if it’s under too much stress. If you’ve recently moved the plant to a new location, it may be struggling to adjust. Try giving the plant some time to acclimate to its new surroundings.
Basil companion plants
Companion plants for basil can include:
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are basil’s perfect companion plant because they help to improve the flavor of the basil, as well as keep away pests.
2. Eggplants
Eggplants also help to keep away pests and can improve the flavor of basil.
3. Peppers
Like eggplants and tomatoes, peppers can also help keep away pests and improve the flavor of basil.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds help to keep away pests, including nematodes, that can damage basil plants.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums help to keep away aphids, which can damage basil plants.
Basil is a popular herb that is used in many different cuisines. It is easy to grow and can be grown from seed. When growing basil from seed, it is important to start the seeds indoors so that they have a head start on the growing season.
Common pest and disease
Basil is a common crop plant that is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Some common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Common diseases include downy mildew, root rot, and basil mosaic virus. Proper identification of these pests and diseases is essential for effective control.
Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are all common pests of basil. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked. Proper identification and control of these pests is essential for the health of the plant.
Downy mildew is a common disease of basil. This disease can cause the leaves of the plant to become yellow and distorted. Downy mildew is often spread by splashing water. Proper identification and control of this disease is essential for the health of the plant.
Basil mosaic virus is a common disease of basil. This virus can cause the leaves of the plant to become mottled and distorted. Basil mosaic virus is often spread by contact with infected plants. Proper identification and control of this virus is essential for the health of the plant.
Final Thoughts
Basil is a great herb to grow from seed because it is easy to care for and has a long growing season. If you are looking for an herb that is both versatile and flavorful, basil should be at the top of your list. Give it a try this year!
