Basil is not only a fragrant herb used in many dishes, but also a plant with medicinal properties. To enjoy a lush and aromatic harvest, it’s important to follow essential rules for planting, care, and harvesting. Growing basil is achievable for anyone willing to devote a little time and care.
As noted by the Baltimore Chronicle, the proper choice of location, timing of planting, and consistent care directly impact the quality and quantity of your basil leaves.
When and Where to Plant Basil
Basil is a heat-loving plant that doesn’t tolerate frost. The best time to plant it in open soil is late May or early June, once the ground has warmed up sufficiently.
Before planting, consider the following:
- Basil loves sunlight — choose a well-lit spot.
- Avoid lowlands or areas with standing water.
- Ideal crop predecessors include legumes, cucumbers, and carrots.
Outdoor Planting
For open ground:
- Loosen the soil and add compost or humus.
- Sow seeds or transplant seedlings.
- Keep 20–30 cm spacing between plants.
- Water with warm water.
Growing Basil from Seeds
Basil can be grown from either seeds or seedlings. Starting from seeds takes longer but is more economical.
How to sow basil seeds:
- Prepare neutral pH soil.
- Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
- Cover with film or glass to retain moisture.
- Sprouts appear in 7–10 days.
Tips:
- Soak seeds for 12 hours before planting.
- Mist gently with a spray bottle to avoid dislodging seeds.
How to Grow Basil in Pots
Basil grows well on balconies or windowsills. This is especially handy for urban dwellers.
What you’ll need:
- A pot with drainage holes.
- Light, fertile soil.
- Seeds or seedlings.
Indoor care:
- Place the pot on a sunny windowsill.
- Water daily but avoid overwatering.
- Pinch the top once 4–6 leaves appear.
Ideal Conditions for Growth
To help basil thrive, create optimal conditions.
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Lighting | At least 6 hours of direct sunlight |
| Air temperature | +20–28°C |
| Watering | Regular, without overwatering |
| Soil | Light, well-drained with compost |
| Air humidity | Moderate, avoid condensation build-up |
Key Basil Care Guidelines
Proper care ensures a high-quality harvest.
- Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilize once or twice a month with organic feed.
- Pinch stems to stimulate branching.
- Remove flowering buds — they reduce leaf quality.
- Thin out beds to prevent overcrowding.
Common Basil Growing Mistakes
Even experienced gardeners sometimes make errors.
Most common mistakes:
- Planting in cold soil — the plant won’t grow.
- Overwatering — leads to root rot.
- Insufficient lighting — leaves become pale and leggy.
- Not removing flowers — causes loss of aroma.
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your harvest.
When and How to Harvest Basil
Harvest basil during its active growth — usually 30–40 days after sprouting.
Recommendations:
- Harvest in the morning when leaves are most fragrant.
- Pinch off top stems, leaving 3–4 leaf pairs below.
- Dry basil in the shade or freeze it for storage.
This allows you to enjoy fresh basil all season long.
Conclusions and Advice
To grow lush and aromatic basil, follow these simple rules: choose the right spot, wait for warm weather, provide regular care, and pinch the stems regularly. These steps will make your basil not only a culinary delight but also a proud addition to your garden or windowsill.
Earlier we wrote about how to properly plant sunflowers.