Basil originally hails from the warmer parts of the globe. In its native India, it can grow into stunning, lush green bushes. With a little TLC, it’ll thrive just as beautifully in your own home or garden!
Starting Off Strong
Basil is what we call a light germinator . If you’re starting from seed, that means you shouldn’t bury those tiny black seeds under soil or sand—they need light to wake up! If they’re covered, they simply won’t sprout. Start your seeds in a nutrient-rich potting soil or some high-quality compost. Just make sure the soil drains well; if it feels a bit heavy, go ahead and mix in a little sand. Keep your seed trays around 68-72°F (20-22°C). As long as they stay moist and warm, you’ll see those little green heads popping up in no time. Keep them in a bright spot and check the moisture every couple of days. You never want the soil to dry out completely, or your seedlings might not make it.
The Secret to Great Growth
Basil loves a bright, warm spot, whether it’s on your windowsill or out on the patio. While it loves the sun, be careful with that intense midday heat, which can actually scorch the delicate leaves. Since basil is a “heavy feeder” (meaning it uses up nutrients fast), you’ll want to keep the soil rich and well-draining. To keep it happy during the growing season, give it a regular boost with some organic liquid fertilizer .
Mastering the Watering Game
Consistency is key here. Before you grab the watering can , do the finger test: stick your finger in the soil to see if it actually needs a drink. You definitely want to avoid “wet feet” (standing water). If there’s still water sitting in the saucer 30 minutes after watering, pour it out. If your plant is thirsty, it’ll usually tell you by wilting. If the soil feels bone-dry, try bottom-watering: submerge the whole pot in a bowl of water until the bubbles stop. But a word of caution—overwatering can also cause wilting! Always double-check the soil moisture before adding more.
The Perfect Temperature
For year-round growth, basil is happiest at about 68°F (20°C). It can handle dips down to 60°F (15°C), but once it hits 50°F (10°C), the plant will stop growing altogether.
Pro Tip: If you’ve just bought a potted basil plant from the store, give it some time to acclimate to its new home. Moving it into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil is one of the best things you can do to help it really take off!