Expert Tips on Growing and Caring for Basil Plants

Mastering the art of growing fresh basil is essential for any culinary enthusiast (or anyone who appreciates bold flavors)—the dried version simply can't match the aromatic, zesty punch of its vibrant green leaves. Basil is also an excellent addition to your garden—basil naturally wards off pests like flies and mosquitoes.

Having fresh basil on hand comes with a variety of great benefits. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing basil, from selecting the ideal variety and creating the perfect growing environment to handling common challenges. Plus, we’ll share some delicious ways to incorporate basil into your favorite meals.

Selecting the Best Basil Variety for Your Garden

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) belongs to the mint family and is one of the simplest herbs to grow. That’s why it’s so popular with both novice gardeners and home cooks. It’s a key ingredient in many pestos and frequently appears in Mediterranean cuisine.

With over 50 known varieties of basil, the options can be overwhelming. However, most varieties thrive in warm, sunny climates and do well in both garden beds and containers. The basil variety you choose will largely depend on the flavors you enjoy most. Below are some of the most commonly grown types of basil.

• Genovese Basil: This variety is arguably the most beloved, particularly for making pesto. It has a slightly spicy flavor with hints of mint and clove.
• Sweet Basil: Very similar to Genovese basil, sweet basil is sweeter with a subtle licorice taste and larger leaves.
• Thai Basil: Popular in Asian cooking, this basil has thicker leaves that can withstand higher cooking temperatures, with a distinctive anise flavor.
• Lemon Basil: As the name suggests, this variety offers a citrusy flavor and is often used in Asian dishes.
• Holy Basil: Predominantly used in Indian cuisine, Holy Basil has a slightly spicy taste with notes of clove and licorice.

How to Grow Basil from Seeds and Cuttings

Before diving into planting, first decide whether you want to grow your herbs indoors in containers or outdoors in the ground. Plant expert Paris Lalicata advises, “The advantage of container gardening is that you can grow basil indoors all year round as long as it gets enough light.”

If you choose to plant in the ground, Lalicata notes, “You’re restricted to the growing season, and your basil will be more vulnerable to pests and diseases.” Even if you prefer to grow basil outdoors, you’ll likely need to start seeds indoors for about six weeks before transplanting them.

Growing Basil from Seeds

1. Fill 4-inch pots with moist, fresh potting mix, and sprinkle a few basil seeds into each one.
2. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of dry soil, pressing it down gently.
3. Lightly water or mist the soil, then cover the pots with plastic wrap to keep in the moisture.
4. Place the pots in a warm spot, ideally by a window, but ensure they’re not exposed to drafts or too cool nighttime temperatures.

To avoid overcrowding, trim extra seedlings at the soil level, and keep the soil moist without over-watering. You can also sow basil seeds directly in the garden once any cold spells are over.

Propagating Basil from Cuttings

You can easily grow more basil from a fresh bunch you purchased at the store!

1. Cut a 4-inch piece from the basil, avoiding stems with flowers, and ensure there are some leaves or leaf nodes.
2. Remove most of the leaves from the cutting.
3. Prepare a 4-inch pot with moist soil, then use your finger to create a deep hole in the soil.
4. Place the cutting into the hole and gently press the soil around it to keep the cutting upright.
5. Water it lightly (avoid soaking), then loosely cover the pot with plastic wrap to trap moisture. (A pencil can be used to hold the plastic away from the cutting.)
6. Set the pot in a warm, bright location, removing the plastic once a day for about an hour to promote airflow.

Once leaves appear, gently tug the cutting to check for rooting (there should be some resistance). This process generally takes around a month.

Transplanting Basil to Your Garden

If you’ve been growing basil indoors but want to move it outside, there are some important tips to follow to ensure your plant thrives. Don’t transplant your basil when it’s too cold—late spring to early summer is ideal, but as a rule, if nighttime temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s too cold for basil to survive outdoors.

Another crucial factor for transplanting basil is the soil temperature. Basil requires soil temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Once transplanted outdoors, your basil should start to sprout within 10 to 14 days. Outdoor basil needs more water than indoor basil, so be sure to water it daily if it’s not raining. To bring your basil indoors, don’t wait for the first frost—move it back inside during late summer or early fall.

Essential Care Tips for Basil Plants

Basil thrives under specific conditions (hot, slightly humid, and sunny), but once you’ve perfected those, you’ll have an abundance of lush, fragrant greens to harvest and enjoy.

Sunlight

As Lalicata explains, basil thrives on as much sunlight as possible. Aim for at least 6 to 8 full hours of sunlight daily, and ensure there’s nothing obstructing your windows to maximize light exposure. Windows facing south or southwest are ideal, but east or west-facing windows will work too. If your space has medium to low light, Lalicata suggests using grow lights for basil, positioning them to shine on your plant for at least 6 hours a day.

Watering

Basil plants thrive in a moist environment, so it’s essential to stay on top of their hydration. Water them with about an inch of water per week, ideally in the mornings, as wet roots overnight can harm basil. A good indicator that it’s time to water is when the topsoil starts to dry out—keep it moist but not soggy! Basil in containers may require more frequent watering than those planted in garden beds.

When starting from seeds, Lalicata recommends against traditional watering, as it can push the seeds too deep into the soil, hindering germination. Instead, mist the surface soil once it dries out until the plant germinates and produces its first set of leaves.

Climate and Temperature Requirements

Basil thrives in warm environments, with Lalicata recommending a temperature of at least 70°F or higher. Growing basil indoors can provide a more controlled climate, which may be beneficial. Ensure nighttime temperatures don’t dip below 50°F. Additionally, basil prefers higher humidity levels, so it’s helpful to mist it occasionally or use a humidity dome—a simple plastic cover that traps moisture. You can buy one or make your own with a plastic bottle or zip-top bag.

Soil Type

For basil grown in containers, Lalicata advises using a standard, well-draining potting mix. If you’re planting basil outside, adding a few inches of mulch around its base will help retain moisture and keep the plant healthy.

Fertilization

Basil doesn’t need much fertilizer, and in fact, over-fertilizing can actually harm its aroma and flavor. It’s important to apply fertilizer sparingly. The University of Minnesota Extension suggests using a liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength on the label, applying it every 4 to 6 weeks for indoor basil and every 3 to 4 weeks for basil grown outdoors.

Pruning and Harvesting

Pruning is a key step for encouraging healthy, bushy basil plants. Lalicata advises, “Prune as necessary, but it’s beneficial to establish a regular pruning routine to help your basil branch out. This will improve your harvest over time.”

You don’t need to remove every leaf unless you need them for a recipe. Almanac recommends pruning basil after the first six to eight leaves, which helps stimulate bushier growth. Always harvest from the top down, and once you’ve picked your basil, store it properly in your refrigerator for the best results.

It’s crucial to prevent your basil from flowering if you want to maintain its flavor. Once basil blooms, it loses much of its taste. Be sure to pinch off any flower buds before they have the chance to open.

Common Basil Plant Problems

Basil is generally a hardy herb, but it can still encounter a few problems along the way. Here’s what you might run into when growing basil.

Decaying Leaves

While basil is a tough plant, it can still face some challenges. The most frequent problems with basil plants involve their leaves, which may begin to decay under certain conditions.

• Yellowing leaves: If the leaves are turning yellow, you’re likely overwatering your basil. Let the topsoil dry out a bit between waterings. Make sure your basil has proper drainage to avoid this problem.
• Bolting: Bolting happens when the plant grows too rapidly and tries to flower. This causes the flavor of the basil to change significantly. Too much sunlight can trigger bolting, so move your basil to a shadier spot after a few hours of direct sunlight. If you’re growing it outside, make sure to water it frequently and consider using shade cloth. Regular pruning and harvesting are key to preventing this issue.
• Wilting or drooping: This indicates that your plant is either under-watered or overwatered, and it’s stressed. It could also be a sign of root rot from excessive watering. Alternatively, poor air circulation due to overcrowded containers or garden beds may cause the plant to droop.

Pests

Basil is vulnerable to a range of pests, especially outdoors. Slugs and beetles, particularly Japanese beetles, are common culprits, leaving behind small holes in the leaves. Indoors, aphids tend to be the main problem. If you’re dealing with pests, a simple solution is to spray your basil with a homemade mix of dish soap and water (2 teaspoons of soap for every gallon of water).

Diseases

Basil is prone to certain diseases like gray mold and leaf spots. You can reduce the chances of these diseases by watering directly at the base of the plant and avoiding wetting the leaves, particularly when harvesting. Overwatering is another common cause of basil’s problems, often leading to root rot.

How to Use Basil

Basil is a remarkably adaptable herb, perfect for a wide range of dishes. From fresh salads to pasta dishes (like a delicious tortellini basil salad), it fits in many meals. Italian cuisine relies heavily on basil, such as in a savory zucchini pesto pasta dish. Basil also enhances marinades, adding a sweet, herbal touch that works wonderfully with meats and vegetables.

But basil's uses extend beyond Italian cooking. In this curried eggplant with tomatoes and basil, the herb’s bold flavor combines with Indian spices to create a flavorful sauce. For something unexpected in your desserts, basil pairs wonderfully with fruits like peaches and strawberries, or even with vanilla ice cream to add a fresh, herbal twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take basil to grow?

  Basil grows quickly! It takes about 10 days for the seeds to sprout, and it will be ready for harvest in around a month. Keep in mind, basil is an annual herb, so it will need to be replanted each year.

• Will basil regrow after cutting?

  Yes, basil will regrow after cutting. You can snip off leaves as needed, and the plant will keep producing fresh ones. To harvest an entire stem, cut it just above a pair of leaves, and new growth will emerge within a week or so.

• Can basil cuttings be propagated in water?

  Basil cuttings can indeed be propagated in water. Place the stems in a glass or jar filled with distilled water, ensuring the leaves do not touch the water. Keep the jar in a sunny, warm spot in your home. Change the water if it becomes cloudy, or about once a week. In about two weeks, the basil should grow roots.