Grow fresh basil with our step-by-step instructions.
Basil is also highly beneficial in gardensitnaturally repels insectslike flies and mosquitos.
There are plenty of pretty sweet perks to having the fresh stuff on hand.
Juha Huiskonen/Getty Images
We also include some ways to use basil in your favorite dishes.
Basil is the star of mostpestosand is commonly used in many Mediterranean dishes.
There are so many types of basil (atleast50 known varieties).
Basil can also be directly seeded in the garden after any cold spells have passed.
Growing Basil Outdoors
A key guideline for planting basil outdoors is to monitor the temperature.
For seeds to germinate, basil needs soil between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your basil plant should sprout in warm weather outdoors in 10 to 14 days.
Basil needs more water outside than inside, so water it daily if there’s no rain.
Bring your basil inside to keep it growing after the temperatures outside turn cold.
But don’t wait until the first frost.
Aim to get your plant back inside by late summer or early fall.
Instead, try late spring and early summer once the temperatures are comfortably above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anything below that will be too cold for basil transplants to grow properly.
When leaves have emerged, you could check to ensure your basil has formed roots by gently tugging.
(There should be some resistance.)
Rooting takes about a month.
They should be at minimum 6 inches apart but aim for 12.
Light
According to Lalicata, basil needs as much sunlight as possible.
Windows with south or southwest exposure are ideal, but those facing east or west will also work.
Aim to shower the soil with an inch of water at least once a week.
Morning water is preferable, as basil roots dont fare well when kept wet overnight.
A good sign is that itstime to water the plantwhen the topsoil begins to dry out.
Do not let the soil dry out completely; it will kill the delicate roots.
Remember that contained basil will likely need more frequent watering than in-ground garden bed counterparts.
If youre starting from seeds, Lalicata says you should avoid watering them traditionally.
This can cause the seeds to be planted deeper, preventing them from germinating.
Temperatures should not fall below 50 degrees at night.
you might purchase a dome online or DIY it using a plastic bottle or zip-top bag.
Soil
Lalicata says any standard,well-draining potting mixwill work for basil planted in containers.
Fertilizer
Basil does not require much fertilizer, if any.
Too much can ruin the aroma and taste, so you must be very conservative with your system.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for lush basil plants.
This will increase your yield over time."
Pinch off buds before they bloom.
Once basil flowers, the leaves will lose much of their flavor.
TheOld Farmer’s Almanacrecommends harvesting after the first six to eight leaves to encourage bushier growth.
Harvesting
You should always harvest leaves from the top down.
Pinch off the leaves at the stem.Harvest in the early morning, when leaves are at their juiciest.
Pick the leaves even if you don’t need them yet; it encourages healthier growth throughout the season.
Store them for later use.
Fresh Storage
The most common methods for storing basil are refrigeration, freezing, and drying.
Freezing
Quick-freeze basil leaves whole or chopped in an airtight vacuum bag.
you’re able to also make basil ice cubes by pureeing it with olive oil.
Pour the mixture into cubes, freeze them, and store them in airtight freezer bags or containers.
Turn each leaf about halfway through the baking process.
The leaves should be dried, crumbly, easy to mince, and kept in a screw-tight jar year-round.
How to Use Basil
Basil is an incredibly versatile herb.
Italian cooking uses basil as a staple, like in thiszucchini pesto pastarecipe.
Marinades, which can be used on meats and veggies, also benefit from its herby sweetness.
But basil doesn’t have to be restricted to Italian cooking.
Basil is an excellent way to make your dessert exceptionally unique.
Its flavor profile mixes well with peaches, strawberries, and vanilla ice cream.
Common Basil Plant Problems
Basil is an easygoing plant, but its not immune to issues.
Read on for what you may encounter growing it.
Yellow Leaves
Though basil is a pretty hearty herb, it is susceptible to problems.
The most common issues with basil plants involve their leaves, which can show signs of decay.
If your basil leaves turn yellow, youre probably overwatering it.
The topsoil should be slightly dry between showers.
To avoid overwatering, ensure your plant has proper drainage.
Bolting
Bolting is caused when the plant grows too quickly and attempts to flower immediately.
When basil flowers, its flavor gets dramatically altered.
Pruning and harvesting are crucial in either situation to prevent bolting.
A sign of root rot, a disease triggered by overwatering, will also appear as wilting or drooping.
Indoors,aphidsare the enemy.
Diseases
The basil plant is susceptible to gray mold and leaf spot occurrences.
Its also common for basil to experience root rot due to overwatering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basil is a quick-growing plant!
It takes about 10 days to germinate and should be ready to harvest in about a month.
Keep in mind that basil is an annual and needs to be replanted.
After you cut basil, it will regrow.
you’re free to cut young leaves as needed, and the plant will continue producing them.
you’ve got the option to propagate basil cuttings in water.
Ensure the basil gets a lot of sun and is in a warm area of your home.
The plant should grow roots in around two weeks.
Utah State University.How to grow basil in your garden.
Accessed February 23, 2025.
University of Minnesota Extension.Growing basil in home gardens.
Accessed February 23, 2025.
“How to Grow Basil Plants: The Complete Guide.”
Accessed February 23, 2025.
