Herbs are motivated to grow not just by temperature but also by day length. Basil, like its cousins in the mint family, loves long and warm days. Think “sunny and 75”, like the Joe Nichols song.
Basil can take the heat and push into the summer months, even in warmer climates. When temps spike over 90°F, basil benefits from some afternoon shade.
To know when you can grow basil, search “[your city name] + [first and last frost dates]”. These dates are basically bookends on your basil growing season. You shouldn’t plant basil seeds or move basil plants outside before the last frost of the season. Before the first frost, you’ll need to take basil out of the garden or pot it up and bring it inside.
More time between the last frost in the spring and the first frost in the fall or winter means you can enjoy fresh basil leaves from your own yard for longer.
Of all the herbs you might grow in your garden, basil is one that needs the most sunshine. It is, after all, from the sun-drenched Mediterranean. Your plant will live with only 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, but it will be much happier and make a lot more leaves if it gets at least 6 hours of sun a day.
If youre growing basil indoors, south- and east-facing windows are best. Your windows will block out a lot of light, so you want to give the leaves as much sunlight as possible.
Basil can also be grown under grow lights. Since artificial light isn’t the same as the sun, you should leave these on for 14 hours a day.
When you water most mint-family herbs, too much water is more dangerous than too little. Basil continues to be the oddball in its family in its water preferences. It actually appreciates a little more H₂O than oregano and rosemary and definitely more than lavender.
Basil likes consistent but not too much water. You can follow the one-inch-per-week rule. Make sure that whatever you use to grow basil has at least one good drainage hole. Herb roots don’t like being in water for too long.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to water your basil plant more often if it’s in a small pot. Ive struggled to grow basil and other herbs in small pots because of this. I inevitably kill them. Thats why I prefer to grow my herbs together in one large herb planter. My favorite planter is about 10 inches tall and 2 feet wide. I pack it with herbs, and in return, I get tons of leaf harvests.
A lot of people told me, “That basil needs a lot more water than rosemary,” when I posted a picture of my new herb planter on social media. They shouldnt be in the same space. “.
What I do is plant other mint-family herbs around the garden’s edges, where I know the soil will dry out first. This way, they can live together well. The inside of the planter is where I put herbs that need a little more water, like basil, dill, cilantro, and parsley. The soil stays moist for longer.
This setup allows you to water all your herbs in one space. Plus, since it’s a bigger pot, you don’t have to water it as often, and the herbs have more space to get to the things they need. Ive found this enables me to keep all my herbs alive and happy.
Basil is super easy to grow from seed. If you start your own herbs from seeds, you can choose from more types than if you wait until spring to buy them at the garden center or nursery. Plus, its a much cheaper way to source herbs for your garden. You can also start new basil plants by rooting cuttings (AKA propagating basil, AKA performing plant magic).
The only difficult thing about sowing basil seeds is how tiny the seeds are. Ive found its best to handle them without gardening gloves. I put some seeds in my palm, lick the index finger on the other hand, and try to pick up one seed at a time with the tip of that finger. (It probably goes without saying youll want to have clean hands if you try this!).
As both an avid home chef and gardener, I love infusing my dishes with the unmistakable flavor of fresh basil However, successful basil cultivation starts even before you see those first tender sprouts Getting the planting depth right when sowing basil seeds is key to germination and healthy seedlings down the road.
Through trial and error in my herb garden I’ve dialed in the optimal techniques for sowing basil seeds. Now I enjoy a bountiful basil harvest each summer. So whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro let’s explore the ins and outs of planting basil from seed.
Determining Basil Seed Planting Depth
Many gardeners just sprinkle basil seeds on the soil surface, but this can lead to erratic germination. Why? Basil seeds need a certain level of moisture and darkness to sprout. Planting too shallowly results in drying out, while going too deep deprives them of necessary light.
The ideal basil seed planting depth is 1/4 inch. This gives just enough cover for moisture retention without impeding the seedlings as they emerge. This shallow depth also lets you use less seed per square foot for less thinning later on.
Additional Tips for Planting Success
Along with the right planting depth, follow these tips to get your basil seedlings off to a vigorous start:
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Use fresh seed-starting mix – This loose, fluffy medium provides ideal drainage and moisture control. Mix in compost for nutrition.
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Warm the soil – Basil prefers warm conditions. Maintain 70-80°F soil temp until sprouting. Consider a heat mat.
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Plant thickly – Sow seeds 1-2 inches apart. This compensates for less than 100% germination rates.
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Firm the soil – Lightly tamp down soil over seeds to remove air pockets. This boosts seed-to-soil contact.
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Label – Identify your basil variety to avoid mixing up seedlings later!
Indoor Germination
You can get a head start on the basil growing season by germinating seeds indoors. Here are some tips:
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Use cell packs, flats or small pots filled with seed starting mix.
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Cover containers with plastic wrap or dome lids to retain moisture.
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Provide 16-18 hours of light daily with grow lights or sunny windowsill.
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Bottom water seedlings to avoid displacing seeds.
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Remove covers once sprouts appear to prevent damping off disease.
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Transplant outdoors once seedlings have 2-4 true leaves.
Direct Outdoor Sowing
If you prefer to sow basil right in the garden, follow these guidelines:
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Prepare soil by mixing in 1-2 inches of compost or fertilizer a week before planting.
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Wait until 2 weeks after the last expected frost date.
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Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart. Space seeds 1-3 inches apart within rows.
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Water gently to avoid washing away seeds.
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Once sprouted, thin plants to 4-12 inches apart depending on variety.
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Add mulch around plants to retain moisture and inhibit weeds.
Ongoing Care for Thriving Basil
Once your seeds are planted at the proper depth and begin sprouting, don’t let up! Here are some key tips for nurturing your basil:
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Water 1-2 inches per week. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Fertilize monthly with organic or water-soluble fertilizer.
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Prune flower heads to prolong leaf production.
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Pinch stem tips frequently to encourage bushy growth.
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Harvest often by cutting above leaf nodes.
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Watch for pests like aphids and diseases like mildew.
Paying close attention to basil seed planting depth sets your crop up for success right from the start. Follow the 1/4 inch guideline, provide warm and moist conditions, and your seeds will thrive. Pair proper planting techniques with attentive care, and you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labor in no time. Just imagine the pesto possibilities!
Frequently Asked Questions About Basil Seed Planting Depth
Getting the most out of your homegrown basil starts with planting the seeds at the optimal depth. Here are answers to some common questions on this important first step.
How deep should basil seeds be planted?
For the best results, basil seeds should be planted 1/4 inch deep in the soil. This shallow depth provides warmth and moisture for germination without depriving the sprouts of light.
Why is proper planting depth important for basil seeds?
The right planting depth balances moisture retention and access to light. Too shallow and the seeds dry out. Too deep and the seedlings can’t push through the soil. 1/4 inch is just right!
Can you plant basil seeds directly outside?
Yes, basil can be directly sown into the garden once outdoor temperatures are warm and steady, around 2 weeks after the last frost. Prepare soil and sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1-3 inches apart in rows.
How far apart should basil seeds be planted?
When planting in rows outdoors, space basil seeds 1-3 inches apart within the row. Allow 12-18 inches between rows. After sprouting, thin seedlings to 4-12 inches apart depending on variety.
How long does it take for basil seeds to sprout?
Given warm soil temperatures around 70°F, basil seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days when planted at the proper 1/4 inch depth. Some varieties may take up to 2 weeks. Be patient!
Starting your basil crop off right with proper planting techniques gets your garden off to a vigorous start. Follow these seed planting guidelines, and you’ll be harvesting mounds of lush basil in no time!
The Best Soil to Grow Basil
Herbs like basil can be grown almost anywhere, but they thrive in sandy, well-drained soil.
Your native soil is likely a little too thick for the roots of basil to be entirely happy. Should you want to grow basil in the ground, you should either amend the soil or grow it in a pot or raised bed. To amend the soil, simply work in some coarse sand and compost. The sand will improve drainage, and the compost will add important nutrients.
If youre filling a container for basil, mix equal parts organic potting soil, coarse sand, and compost. I like to add a little extra organic matter like earthworm castings. Compost is typically enough to give herbs all the nutrients they need to power their growth, but still. Basil tastes best when its grown in super fertile soil.
Again, make sure your container has at least one good drainage hole in the bottom. It doesnt matter how good your soil is if excess water has no place to go.
Most likely, the soil in your raised beds is already sandy loam, which is great for growing seeds and plants. Just add some compost and maybe some earthworm castings to the surface before you plant more basil.
Basil is super easy to grow from seed. If you start your own herbs from seeds, you can choose from more types than if you wait until spring to buy them at the garden center or nursery. Plus, its a much cheaper way to source herbs for your garden. You can also start new basil plants by rooting cuttings (AKA propagating basil, AKA performing plant magic).
The only difficult thing about sowing basil seeds is how tiny the seeds are. Ive found its best to handle them without gardening gloves. I put some seeds in my palm, lick the index finger on the other hand, and try to pick up one seed at a time with the tip of that finger. (It probably goes without saying youll want to have clean hands if you try this!).
Basil Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves are likely due to the plant getting too much water or not enough nutrients or sunlight. Overcrowding could also be the cause since overcrowded plants struggle to get enough water, nutrients, and sunlight. Also, they are more likely to get diseases that can turn the leaves yellow, usually from the bottom up.
Decrease the amount youre watering and double-check to make sure the container is draining well. Basil plants in pots are more likely to get root rot from too much water than herbs grown in raised beds or big containers. Re-pot with some fresh soil if needed.
Move the basil to a sunnier spot if possible. Add some compost around the base of the plant or some nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf production.
Prune away yellowed leaves. Shop Gardening Books