How to Grow Basil Plants: The Complete Guide (2024)

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Basil will grow bestin a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily, though it can perform well in partial sun,too.

Soil should be moderately fertile and moist but well-draining. Basil works great in containers or raised beds, as these allow for better drainage. The pH of the soil should ideally be in the range of 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic toneutral).

If you plan on cooking with these plants, plant in clean soil, don’t use insecticides, and grow them away from driveways and busy streets so exhaust won’t settle on theplants.

When to PlantBasil

• To get a jump on the season, start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outside. (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).
• Don’t rush basil.Without heat, the plant won’t growwell!

How to PlantBasil

• If you are sowing seeds directly into the ground, sow no more than 1/4-inch deep. Seeds should germinate within 5 to 7 days. Once they have developed 2 to 3 pairs of true leaves, transplantthem.
• If you are planting the germinated seedlings or starter plants in the ground, spaced 10 to 12 inches apart; basil should grow to about 12 to 24 inches inheight.
• A 2- to 3-inch mulch of compost or ground-up leaves retains soil moisture and minimizes weeds around theplants.
• Tomatoes make great neighbors for basil plants in the garden—and on the plate—so many gardeners will plant the two warm-weather friends around the sametime.

How to GrowBasil

• Make sure that the soil is moist. Basil plants like moisture.
  • If you live in a hot area, use mulch around the plants (the mulch will help hold in moistureand suppressweeds).
  • During the dry periods in summer, water the plantsfreely.
• After the seedlings have producedtheir first six leaves, prune above the second set. This encourages the plants to start branching, resulting in moreleaves forharvest.
• Every time a branch has six to eight leaves, repeat pruning the branches back to their first set ofleaves.
• Fertilize sparingly throughout the season with a 5-10-5fertilizer.
• After about 6 weeks, pinch off the center shoot to prevent early flowering. If flowers do grow, just cut themoff.
• If the weather is going to be cold or if a sudden frost is imminent, be sure to harvest your basil beforehand, as the cold temperatures will destroy yourplants.

• Cinnamon basil, to add a hint of cinnamon to adish
• Purple basil adds some nice color to your garden (when steeped in white vinegar, it creates a beautifulcolor)
• Thai basil adds a sweet licorice flavor to adish.

See our post aboutbasil varieties in the garden.

How to HarvestBasil

• Start picking the leaves of basil as soon as the plants are 6 to 8 inchestall.
• Once temperatures hit 80°F (27°C), basil will really start leafingout.
• Harvest in the early morning, when leaves are at theirjuiciest.
• Make sure to pick the leaves regularly to encourage growth throughout thesummer.
• Even if you don’t need the leaves, pick them to keep the plant going. Store them for lateruse!
• If you pick regularly, twelve basil plants can produce 4 to 6 cups of leaves perweek.

How to StoreBasil

• The best method for storing basil is freezing. Freezing will prevent the plant from losing a good portionof its flavor. To quick-freeze basil, package whole or chopped leavesin airtight, resealable plastic bags, then place them in thefreezer.
• Another storage method is drying the basil (although some flavor will be lost). Pinch off the leaves at the stem and place them in a well-ventilated and shady area. After 3 to 4 days, if the plants are not completely dry, place them in the oven on the lowest heat setting with the door slightly open. Remember to turn the leaves (for equal drying) and check them frequently. See more about drying basil, tomatoes, and paprika.

Catherine Boeckmann