How to Grow Basil
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow, and its fresh flavor enhances many dishes. Learn how to grow your own basil at home with these tips!
Why Grow Basil?
Basil is a popular herb known for its aromatic leaves and culinary uses in both Asian and Western cuisines. It's a warm-weather annual that’s easy to grow, even for beginners. With many varieties like Thai Basil, Purple Opal, and Spicy Globe, there's a basil for every gardener and recipe.
Planting Basil
Basil grows best with 6-8 hours of sunlight and thrives in soil with a pH between 5 and 7, with its ideal being 6.4. You can start basil indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow it outdoors after the last frost.
- Scatter seeds evenly and cover with ¼ inch of soil or compost.
- Keep the soil moist during germination.
- Weed regularly to give basil seedlings space to thrive. Basil seedlings have distinctive D-shaped leaves arranged opposite to each other.
For indoor starting tips, check out our Seedling Care guide.
Watering and Mulching
Basil enjoys even moisture but doesn't like to be overwatered. Drip irrigation or hand-watering at the base is best, as overhead watering can cause issues. Mulch with loose straw to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
Harvesting Basil
Harvest basil regularly to encourage growth:
- Pinch off fresh young leaves as needed.
- When harvesting stems, cut just above two leaves to encourage bushier growth.
- Pinch out flower stalks to prevent bitterness, unless you're growing ornamental varieties like Purple Opal or using flowers for salads.
Preserving Basil
Basil is an annual plant that will eventually flower and die, but you can preserve its flavor:
- Drying: Hang small bunches upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated room for about a week.
- Freezing: Chop basil, add water or olive oil, and freeze in ice cube trays. Transfer frozen cubes to a bag for storage.
- Store dried or frozen basil for up to a year.
Enjoy Fresh Basil
Use basil fresh by placing cut stems in a vase of water or preserve it for later use. This versatile herb is a must-have for any garden!
Plant some basil today and enjoy its fresh, organic flavor all year long. Grow organic for life!