How to Grow Basil

Basil is a fragrant, versatile herb commonly used in pasta sauces, pizzas, salads, and Thai curries. As a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), it thrives in warm conditions and offers a variety of flavors beyond the well-known sweet basil found in supermarkets. Growing your own basil allows you to explore different varieties and enjoy a continuous supply of fresh leaves.

Month by Month

Growing Basil from Seed

For a steady harvest, sow basil seeds successionally from spring to summer. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. Basil prefers well-drained soil, so water sparingly to prevent root rot. Harvest leaves by cutting stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage bushier growth.

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Planting Conditions

Basil flourishes in fertile, well-drained soil and requires a warm, sheltered location with plenty of light. Direct midday sun may scorch the leaves, so partial shade during the hottest hours is ideal. To extend your growing season from early spring to mid-autumn, consider growing basil in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or on a warm windowsill.

How to sow basil seed

• Start seeds in moist, peat-free compost at around 20°C on a bright but shaded windowsill.
• Water sparingly until germination, then continue watering only as needed.
• When seedlings are large enough, transfer them into pots filled with a mix of soil-based and multi-purpose compost.
• Pinch out the tips to encourage bushy growth.
• Acclimatize young plants by placing them outdoors in a sheltered spot during the day and bringing them inside at night for two weeks before transplanting them permanently.

Did You Know?

In Elizabethan times, dried sweet basil leaves were used as a snuff to treat headaches and colds. The herb also holds cultural significance—Greek Orthodox churches use Greek basil in holy water preparations, while Hindu wedding traditions involve presenting a basil leaf to the groom.

How to Care for Basil Plants

Proper watering is key to thriving basil. If soil becomes too dry, plants will quickly wilt, but overwatering can cause root rot. Outdoors, protect basil from wind and cold air. Water carefully, ideally before midday, avoiding splashes on leaves to prevent botrytis (powdery mold).

Basil grows rapidly in containers, often requiring repotting throughout the season. Flowering affects leaf quality, so remove flower stems promptly. However, toward the end of the season, allowing some flowers to bloom provides nectar for bees and butterflies.

Basil is a half-hardy annual, meaning new plants are needed each year. In autumn, when temperatures dip, bring some plants indoors for a fresh winter supply.

How to Grow Supermarket Basil

Supermarket basil plants often struggle in gardens due to their dense root systems and limited space. To prolong their life:

• Carefully separate individual plants from the root mass.
• Replant in individual pots with soil-based compost.
• Keep them moist but not waterlogged and place them in a warm, sheltered spot.
• Once roots appear through drainage holes, harden off and transplant outdoors if desired.

Pests and Diseases

• Protect plants from snails and slugs.
• Watch for whitefly and red spider mites.
• Ensure good ventilation to prevent powdery mildew and grey mold.

How to Harvest Basil

Regularly pick basil leaves and stem tips throughout summer. Leave at least three pairs of side shoots so the plant can continue growing. To maintain freshness, don’t wash leaves until ready to use.

For the best flavor:

• Use fresh basil raw whenever possible.
• Add to dishes at the end of cooking to preserve its aroma.
• Tear rather than chop leaves to release their fragrance.
• Store fresh stems in a glass of water, changing the water daily.

Buying and Storing Basil

• Basil is best used fresh, as drying or freezing can alter its flavor.
• Seeds are widely available from garden centers and online retailers.
• Growing from seed offers a broader selection of varieties.
• Consider swapping seed packets or seedlings with friends to diversify your basil garden.

Basil Varieties to Grow

• Sweet Basil (Genovese): Classic Italian basil with soft, aromatic leaves, ideal for pesto and pairing with tomatoes.
• Crimson King: A vibrant, purple-leaved variety with strong growth and a striking appearance in containers.
• Greek Basil: Compact and bushy with small leaves and a sweet, anise-clove flavor.
• African Blue Basil: A taller variety with purple-blue flowers, loved by pollinators.
• Thai Basil: With serrated purple-green leaves, perfect for Thai and Southeast Asian dishes.
• Cinnamon Basil: Spicy, clove-like flavor, great for stir-fries.
• Red Rubin: Deep purple leaves with a rich aroma, ideal for ornamental and culinary use.

With the right care and conditions, growing basil is rewarding and easy, providing a delicious, aromatic addition to your kitchen year-round. Learn more about other house plants in our house plants category.