Basil is a versatile herb that offers numerous benefits and uses; you can grow it in your home with minimal effort.
Follow this Basil Plant Care Tips guide and try propagating this fragrant herb at home. This is particularly useful if you lack outdoor space or if you wish to have fresh basil leaves in the wintertime instead of using preserved ones.
Botanical name: Ocimum Basilicum
USDA Zones: 2-11
Read: Roselle Plant Growing Guide
About Basil
The basil plant (Ocimum Basilicum) is a popular herb native to southern Asia and the islands of the South Pacific; it produces aromatic leaves commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes and is a popular Thai ingredient. It can be grown with little fuss as it is considered a tender annual.
Beginner gardeners can easily grow basil as it thrives extremely fast, going from seed to harvest in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. This herb plant is an excellent choice for such gardeners.
Propagating Basil
Growing Basil from Seeds
1. Start planting the basil seeds after early spring, at least 5-6 weeks before the average last frost date. If you live in a frost-free climate, you can plant the seeds indoors anytime.
2. Fill a seed tray or mini pots with seed mix and sprinkle the seeds on top. Gently work the seeds into the soil.
3. Plant the seeds no more than 1/4 inch deep, as they are tiny. Cover them briskly with the soil.
4. Provide the usual care steps for growing other seeds, such as keeping the soil moist, providing adequate sunlight or artificial light, and ensuring proper drainage.
Growing Basil Cuttings in Water
Cut 4-5 inches long pieces from an existing basil plant, making sure to cut below the leaf node. Remove all the leaves from the bottom part of the cuttings, but leave a couple of sets of leaves on the top end. Discard any flowers as well.
Place the cuttings in a container of water, submerging only the bottom 2/3 part of the stems. Keep the container in a warm spot, such as a windowsill that receives morning sunlight. Change the water every day to keep it fresh.
After 2-4 weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and will be ready for planting in the soil.
Pot Size for Growing Basil
It grows well in any container as long as it has proper drainage holes. To start Growing Basil Indoors, small pots that are 6-8 inches deep will be perfect.
Basil Companion Planting
Basil can be planted alongside other herbs and vegetables that flourish in similar growing conditions in an indoor vegetable garden. For instance, placing it in the same pot as tomatoes or parsley on a sunny windowsill can be a great idea. Additionally, basil is a good companion plant for peppers, oregano, lettuce, chives, and chamomile.
Read: Tomato Companion Plants
Ideal Growing Conditions for Basil Plant
Sunlight
Basil flourishes in sunlight; it requires a minimum of 5-6 hours of exposure to grow optimally. Keep the plant near a window that faces South or West is ideal while placing it on a balcony is also suitable. Although Eastern exposure is acceptable, insufficient sunlight may lead to spindly growth.
Note: Protect the plant from the scorching afternoon sun if you live in a hot climate.
Soil
It grows well in fertile, airy, well-draining soil that holds a moderate amount of moisture. The ideal pH level for basil ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 7.5). You may employ a conventional soilless potting mix that satisfies these criteria to accomplish this.
Watering
While outdoor basil favors damp soil, indoor growing environments require a different approach. Excessive watering can swiftly harm this herb since there is limited evaporation and transpiration.
Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid watering the plant unless the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Tip: Avoid spraying water on the leaves, and reduce watering frequency during chilly or rainy weather.
Read: Tips to Grow Insulin Plant
Basil Plant Care
Fertilizing
During the growing season, fertilize your basil plant every two weeks using a half-strength, balanced liquid fertilizer. However, suppose you notice any indications of over-fertilization, such as browning leaf tips, wilting or yellowing lower leaves, or a white crust of accumulated salts on the soil. In that case, it is necessary to decrease the fertilizer frequency. If essential, flush the soil to remove any excess fertilizer buildup.
Note: If you observe older yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a lack of vibrancy in your basil plant, this may be a sign of magnesium deficiency. To address this issue, dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water, then water your basil and other plants with the solution as usual.
Pruning and Pinching
Regular pruning of the basil plant can lead to fuller leaves. It is advisable to remove any flowers that appear on the plant as it allows the plant to focus its energy on producing more foliage. Additionally, to encourage lateral growth, pinch off the top set of leaves.
Avoid bolting
To avoid bolting, also known as “going to seed,” it is important to keep a close eye on your basil plant. Basil tends to bolt once summer days consistently become hot. You can prevent this by ensuring the soil remains moist and providing light shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Pests and Diseases
Basil is typically resilient against the majority of common pests and diseases. However, it is prudent to be vigilant for aphids. You can manually remove them by hand and gently squeeze their soft bodies. If the plant becomes infected with diseases, it may be vulnerable to fusarium wilt and mildew. Applying an organic fungicide can help control and manage these issues.
Overwintering
One of the benefits of growing basil indoors is that you need not worry about freezing temperatures, and you can still enjoy this delightful Mediterranean herb during cold weather. However, extra care is necessary during winter, and these tips should be followed:
Keep the plant in a warm location that is sheltered from cold drafts and heating vents. Maintain a room temperature of at least 60-70 F (15-21 C). Ensure that the growing area stays warm throughout the night. Water the plant sparingly, and only fertilize lightly if necessary. During winter, avoid placing the plant too close to the window. Ensure the leaves do not come into direct contact with the windowpane to avoid cold injury.
Read: Growing Lavender in Tropics
How to Harvest Basil
Harvest basil regularly; there isn’t a specific time for harvesting it- you can grab a few leaves as you need them. Consistent harvesting throughout the growing season is important, even if you don’t need the basil immediately. Aim to remove 1/3 of the leaves each month to encourage new growth. You can add basil to many dishes during the summer, and it also freezes well in olive oil for use during the winter. When harvesting basil, cut the stem just above the point where two large leaves meet. Keeping a pair of scissors in your garden apron will allow you to create clean and tidy cuts.
Finally, enjoy your freshly harvested basil by using it in a recipe of your choice!
