The best conditions for growing basil revolve around temperature, soil and water. If these conditions are satisfied as I show how in this guide, growing basil should be a breeze even for the inexperienced. The flavour that basil brings to the table should compel any home gardener to have it growing at some corner of the garden at any time during the season.
The scientific name for basil is Ocimum basilicum. According to Science Direct, basil is used in a wide range of applications including the flavouring of “soups, meat pies, fish dishes, certain cheeses, tomato salads, cooked cucumber dishes, cooked peas, squash, and string beans as well as vinegars and oils”. As you can see there is much to look forward to from this amazing herb.
As you set out to grow your basil, it is worth your while to be aware of the different varieties you could possibly grow. Basil cultivars include Sweet basil, Lettuce leaf basil, Mammoth basil, Genovese basil and Boxwood basil among many others.
Which variety to grow will matter as different varieties have different flavours and are often cultivated for different purposes. Your seed supplier, local farmer’s market or nursery would be able to assist in this regard suffice to say Sweet basil and Lettuce leaf basil is one of the most popular varieties. Lettuce leaf basil is usually included in salads due to its big lettuce-like leaves.
Now, let’s begin a look at the best conditions suitable for growing basil…but first a few items you may find useful in growing your basil plants.
- Basil seeds (supplier)
- Garden tool set (supplier)
- Potting mix (supplier)
- Basil growing containers (supplier)
- Water-Soluble Basil Fertilizer (supplier)
1. What are the best conditions for growing basil in respect of season?
Summary: Warm weather
The Explanation…
The best weather conditions for growing your basil herb is when the soil and the air are warm. These conditions perfectly exist during spring and early summer. You will likely come across information throwing a blanket suggestion to grow basil in summer. There is a caveat to this.
In as much as summer warm weather is good for basil to thrive, the middle of summer can be too warm for comfort. These conditions are too harsh for basil. It is recommended to move your basil plants into the shade during peak hours of summer temperatures.
Furthermore, the best soil temperatures for growing basil are between 50° to 70° Fahrenheit or 10 to 22 degrees Celsius. If you have these conditions you should be good to go. Nevertheless, basil can be grown all year round without a break in warmer climates where even the winters are not as harsh or frosty.
Finally, basil should not be grown in extremely cold or frosty temperatures unless this is done indoors. Thankfully, the basil plant is so portable it can be grown virtually anywhere. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius are known to stunt growth, cause harm to leaves and increase risk of disease. Worse temperatures can even kill the plant. You may, however, start on the basil seeds indoors during the tail-end of winter and move them to the ground as warmer conditions arrive.
2. What are the best conditions for growing basil in respect of soils?
Summary: Well drained, moist soil.
The Explanation…
The best soil conditions for your basil should be soil that is well-drained which is neither too wet nor too dry. Basil herb will not appreciate soggy soil that even pools water. Aim to keep your soil damp. To check soil moisture, drive your forefinger into the soil. If you find the soil too dry, water generously.
Furthermore, your soil should be fertile with organic matter such as compost. Soil pH of between 5.5 to 7.5 is recommended. See #5 below for fertilizer options when growing basil.
3. Should I grow my basil in containers or in the ground?
Summary: Containers are good for small scale or indoor growing
The Explanation…
Many people who grow basil in a home setting tend to grow it in containers. Unless you wish to go commercial, a handful of basil plants – say 2 or 3 plants – will produce enough fresh leaves to supply an average family. Remember, all that we are interested in are basil leaves, which under best conditions mentioned here would be plenty.
If a handful of basil plants is all that you need, then growing basil in containers is most desirable. In addition, containers are also easy to manage, for example, if you have to take the plant out of the sun or protect it from unexpected frost or cold weather.
That said, when growing basil in containers, ensure that your plants have enough room to allow air circulation. A spacing of about 6 to 8 inches apart will do just fine.
4. Should I grow basil from seed or basil cuttings?
Summary: Either option work, seed is however quicker and easier
The Explanation…
Growing basil from cuttings is also known as rooting. It is possible to take a stem from a grown basil plant and replant it. First you will need to put in a glass of water to grow roots (rooting) before you transfer it to your final growing pot or the ground. The rooting stem must first be hardened off before being transplanted.
Of the two options, growing basil from seed is easiest. You can start your seeds in late winter for transplanting when it’s warmer. You can also plant your basil directly when it’s already warm. Take care not to plant the seed too deep as it would struggle to germinate. The recommended planting depth is about 1/4 inch.
At maximum 10 days, your basil seeds should germinate and be ready for transfer to your pot or otherwise once the seedlings have 3 to 4 leaves. The seedlings should be planted some 12 to 18 inches apart.
5. When and which fertilizer should I apply on my basil?
Summary: Every 4 to 6 weeks, compost or water-soluble fertilizer
The Explanation…
Basil is all about leaves, flavorful leaves. For that reason we want our leaves to flourish with a nice lush foliage. We get this kind of outcome from the well fertilized growing medium of our herb and ongoing feeding throughout the season.
First off, plant your basil plant in well fertilized soil which you can do with organic matter such as compost or animal manure. If growing your basil in containers, feed the plant with fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks and 4 to 6 weeks if growing on the ground. Water-soluble plant food is usually recommended for top dressing as fertilizer. This can be commercial type or your own home-made compost tea.
6. What are the best sunny conditions for growing basil?
Summary: 6 to 8 hours per day
The Explanation…
Basil loves moderate sunlight the type you get in early summer or in the mornings. Mid-summer sun is harsh and can damage the herb. When it is too hot you may move or provide your basil plant with some shade to protect it from peak afternoon temperatures.
7. How often should I water basil?
Summary: Keep soil moist
The Explanation…
The rule of thumb when growing basil is to keep the soil moist. Whenever the soil is dry, ensure that you water the plant generously. Local climatic conditions also detect how often you water the basil.
High temperatures call for frequent watering to maintain the best growing conditions for your basil. In addition, if growing your basil in pots or containers, these tend to thirst sooner than those in the ground.
Moreover, do not forget that mulch is the gardener’s best friend when it comes to moisture preservation. Do not hesitate to spread some mulch below your basil plants to reduce moisture loss and delay the timing of the next round of watering.
8. When can I harvest basil leaves?
Summary: 50 to 60 days
The Explanation…
When to harvest your basil plant leaves is often measured in height of the plant or how many leaves the plant has on it. When the plant has reached some 6 to 8 inches or 15 to 20 cm, it should be ready to have its leaves harvested.
You may also determine that it is harvesting time once the plant has 5 to 8 leaves. Put together, all this should happen within the 50 to 60 day mark from the time of planting the basil in the container or ground.
The way you harvest your basil leaves is by pinching out the leaves as you need them. This is important, even if you do not need leaves at any given time, it is best practice to pinch out some leaves at the tip of the stem as this encourages the plant to branch out making more leaves. This is some necessary trimming of your basil plant, if you like, which stops it from flowering and making seeds. When this happens it stops making new leaves.
In the event that you run out of time and cold weather starts to arrive, you can harvest all your leaves and store them in the freezer for winter. If the plant is outside, it is highly unlikely that it would survive the winter. The leaves will turn black and the plant dies.
So this is it, this is how to create the best conditions for growing basil at home. You should be able to get these right for a fantastic and flavorful basil harvest. Enjoy your gardening!
