Basil Seeds and Plants
Basil is the easiest herb to grow from seed. It sprouts in a week in warm soil and you're picking leaves within a month. Beyond sweet Genovese, you'll find Thai basil with an anise bite, lemon and cinnamon basil, purple Dark Opal and holy basil (tulsi). Basil hates cold, so wait for warm nights before planting outside, and pinch it often to keep it leafy.
How to choose Basil Seeds and Plants
- For pesto: Genovese or other large-leaf Italian types.
- For Asian cooking: Thai basil holds up to heat. Holy basil (tulsi) is peppery and used in Thai and Indian dishes.
- For containers: compact types like Greek or spicy globe basil stay under a foot.
- Seed vs plant: seed is cheap and fast. A live plant gets you harvesting right away.
Basil Seeds and Plants at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Sow | Indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow when soil is 70°F |
| Germination | 5 to 10 days |
| Light | Full sun, 6 to 8 hours; or 14 hours under a grow light |
| Water | Keep evenly moist; water at the base |
| Spacing | 10 to 12 inches |
| First harvest | About 4 to 6 weeks from sowing |
How to grow basil from seed
- Fill a tray with seed-starting mix and moisten it.
- Scatter seeds on the surface and cover with about an eighth of an inch of mix.
- Keep the tray at 70 to 80°F, using a heat mat if your room is cool.
- Move seedlings under a grow light or into a sunny window as soon as they sprout.
- Transplant outdoors once nights stay above 50°F, spacing plants 10 to 12 inches apart.
- Pinch the top pair of leaves once plants have 3 sets, and keep pinching weekly.
Common problems
- Black or brown leaf spots after cool nights: Cold damage. Basil is hurt below about 50°F.
- Plant going to flower: Pinch flower buds as soon as they appear to keep leaves coming.
- Seedlings collapsing: Damping off from soggy soil. Water from below and improve airflow.
FAQ
How long do basil seeds take to germinate?
5 to 10 days in warm soil, around 70 to 80°F.
Can I grow basil indoors?
Yes, in a sunny south window in summer or under a grow light year round.
How do I harvest basil without killing it?
Cut stems just above a pair of leaves. Two new shoots grow from that point.
Is holy basil the same as Thai basil?
No. Holy basil (tulsi) is a different species with a peppery, clove-like flavor.
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