A bountiful herb garden is a timeless luxury. Just being able to walk outside and pick a handful of fresh, fragrant herbs can make the difference between a good meal and a great one. And what herb garden is complete without at least one beautiful, bountiful basil plant?.
The mint family includes this very fragrant herb that has been used for a long time in Italian and Asian cooking. This herb can be dried and preserved, but it truly is most flavorful when eaten fresh.
Basil is a relatively easy plant to grow, and has moderate sunlight and watering needs. It’s also easy to grow in pots, so people who don’t have a garden bed can still get it.
If you want to grow an herb garden on your patio or just want to make it easy to move your basil, here are some tips for keeping it healthy and happy in its pot.
With its irresistible aroma and flavor, it’s no wonder why basil is one of the most widely grown herbs But what’s going on underground with this plant? Does basil have deep roots that mine the soil for nutrients and moisture? Or is the root system shallow and compact? Let’s dig in and explore the rooting habits of this culinary favorite
An Overview of Basil’s Roots
The root system of basil is often described as fibrous and relatively shallow. The roots typically extend 12-18 inches deep and spread horizontally about 8-12 inches. Basil is not known for having a single dominant taproot.
Some key traits about basil’s root structure
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Fibrous roots – Many thin. branching roots near soil surface
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Shallow depth – Roots grow 12-18 inches deep generally
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Lateral spread – Roots extend 8-12 inches sideways from plant
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Taproot – No large, central taproot present
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Root hairs – Many fine, hair-like roots aid in absorption
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Feeder roots – Small roots take up water and nutrients
While basil roots don’t dive too deep, the fibrous network efficiently supplies the plant’s needs. Let’s look more closely at how these roots support growth.
Roots for Absorption
The primary purpose of any plant’s roots is to absorb water and nutrients. Basil’s fibrous roots are well adapted for this with their large surface area. The extensive root hairs and branching feeder roots greatly improve absorption.
Basil needs constantly moist (but not soggy) soil to keep up with its thirsty growth habit. The shallow root system relies on frequent irrigation and mulching. Deep watering is key, especially in hot weather.
These vigorous roots will quickly deplete nutrients from their zone. Regular fertilization is recommended when growing basil. Organic sources released over time work best to feed the roots.
Anchoring the Plant
In addition to gathering water and nutrients, a plant’s roots anchor and support the stems and leaves. Basil’s network of fibrous roots holds the plant in place tolerably well.
However, the shallow depth and lack of a taproot does make basil prone to toppling over in wind or heavy rain. Careful staking and shelter from elements reduces this issue. Container-grown basil needs repotting into a heavy container as it grows.
Pinching and pruning basil promotes bushy growth above ground while also encouraging a denser mat of roots to support the plant. Avoid disturbing basil roots when harvesting leaves.
Impacts of Root Disturbances
The extensive but delicate fibrous roots of basil make the plants susceptible to transplant shock and root damage. Basil does not respond well to root disturbances such as transplanting or direct sowing.
It’s best to start basil from cuttings or transplants set out after the last spring frost. When transplanting seedlings, take care to handle them gently and keep as much of the root system intact as possible.
Pinching off flowers prolongs leaf production but also stresses the shallow roots. Allow some flowers for pollinators later in the season once plants are well established.
Ideal Conditions for Basil Roots
Here are some growing conditions that keep basil roots happy and healthy:
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Rich, well-draining soil with added compost
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Consistent moisture – water when top inch of soil is dry
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Sheltered site with some afternoon shade
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Space for lateral root growth
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Wide, shallow containers for pots
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Infrequent root disturbances after transplanting
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Mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds
Do All Basil Varieties Have Similar Roots?
Most sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) varieties develop a fibrous, shallow rooting structure. However, the rooting depth and pattern can vary slightly between different types.
Thai basil tends to have a more compact, layered root system. The roots of lettuce leaf basil may extend a bit deeper. Purpurascens and African blue basils produce slightly thicker taproots. But none of these form deep, central taproots.
Overall, the root traits described here apply to most common basil varieties grown for culinary use. Deep, invasive roots are not a concern when planting this herb in the garden.
An Efficient Root System for Herb Growth
Protect it From the Cold
Protect basil from cold temperatures with insulation or by moving container plants indoors.
When it gets below 40°F, basil starts to suffer, but it can still recover from these cold nights as long as the days are warmer. If the temperature drops to freezing, basil plants need extra protection from the cold.
If it gets cold after you plant your basil, it’s easy to move the containers to a warmer spot or even grow the plants inside if necessary.
If basil plants are in raised beds or can’t be moved, you can help keep the roots warm by covering them with compost or mulch. You can also cover the plants’ tops to keep them from getting too cold.
Choose the Right Container
To grow basil, use a container with proper drainage and enough space for multiple plants.
Basil plants need a little space between plants. So, if you are planning on planting more than one plant, you’ll need a container that accommodates them.
The Epic Lined Grow bags make great containers for plants that need constant moisture, paired with good drainage. Their special liner system helps the roots grow stronger, and they come in different sizes that can fit one to three plants at a time.
I personally like to grow my herbs in vertical tower planters, like the GreenStalk Tiered Vertical Planters. These planters are very useful because they stack on top of each other and give each plant its own amount of space.
If you have limited space but want to grow an amazing herb garden, I highly recommend these. No matter what kind of container you pick, make sure it drains well. Basil won’t grow well in soil that is too wet.
Basil has many species and cultivars, with the most culinary varieties.
There are about 100 species of basil and many more varieties. Not all basils are good for culinary use. For example, African Blue Basil is an amazing pollinator attractor.
Bees and butterflies adore their flowers, but their leaves are a little bit lackluster in the flavor department. Most varieties of culinary Basil are cultivars of Ocimum basilicum or Sweet Basil.
Basil plants are members of the mint family. They are annual herbaceous plants that smell good and are best when used fresh, but they can also be dried. A number of factors can help basil production, including choosing the right variety.
Boxwood Basil is a wonderful, shrubby cultivar with tiny leaves and a pungent flavor. Dark opal basil is a beautiful deep purple color with a spicy taste that looks stunning in a caprese salad with plump tomatoes and burrata mozzarella.
The most traditional and widely sold cultivar is Genovese basil. This tasty plant can grow rather large and boasts large, shiny, fragrant leaves with a spicy, anise-type flavor. I love to trim off some basil stems to add to cut flowers on my dining room table. Besides being beautiful, the aroma of fresh basil is simply mouthwatering.
A Better Way to Grow Basil Plants All Summer Long: Plant Once, No Deadheading or Reseeding Needed!
How deep do Basil roots grow?
Basil roots grow to around 8-12 inches when the plant is full sized. Basil stems can grow as tall as 3 feet and will grow their root deep to support the plant and absorb nutrients and water from deeper in the soil. Choose a pot or container that is around 10 inches deep to give your basil plants plenty of room to grow their roots.
Should Basil be raised?
When you plant Basil in your garden, the garden bed should be raised. Otherwise, the roots can grow deeper and get interrupted by other plant roots. So, a raised bed helps the plants to grow individually with enough water and nutrients. Basil has a deep root system of 8 to 12 inches deep roots.
Does Thai basil have deep roots?
Thai Basil has the same root system as the normal ones. Thai basil roots can grow from 8 to 12 inches. That means Thai Basil also has moderate to deep roots. Moreover, Thai basil has vigorous roots like ordinary Basil. These roots can go deeper when they need water and nutrients.
Are Basil roots invasive?
Basil has moderate to deep roots. Many people think that basil plants have profound roots and that the roots are invasive. But these plant roots are not supposed to damage anything. Generally, Basil roots can go deep into the soil up to 18 inches. But the average depth of these plants is 8 to 12 inches.