Spicy, aromatic basil is a must-have in any kitchen, and growing it in a pot is one of the easiest ways to keep it handy. Whether you just picked up a plant at the grocery store or you’re starting from scratch, giving it the right TLC is the secret to a massive harvest. Let’s dive into some tips and fun facts to keep your basil thriving!
Store-Bought Potted Basil
You can find fresh basil pots at the store all year round. Usually, they come wrapped in plastic sleeves to keep them upright and protected. These little guys were raised in warm greenhouses under perfect conditions—lots of fertilizer, plenty of water, and precisely controlled light and temp to encourage rapid growth .
But think about their journey: they get wrapped up, shoved into tight crates, loaded onto chilly, dark trucks, and finally set out on a store shelf. By the time you bring one home, it’s been through a lot! To keep it from wilting, give your basil some time to acclimate to its new home. Find a bright spot that isn’t in direct, scorching sun. Set the pot on a saucer and do the “finger test” to check the soil moisture. If it feels dry, give it a drink of lukewarm, filtered water.
Don’t rip that plastic sleeve off right away! It actually helps protect the plant while it adjusts to the change in humidity. Instead, slide the sleeve down a little bit each day to gradually “unwrap” it. If you see any crushed or wilting leaves , carefully snip them off. It’s also a good idea to peek under the leaves to make sure you didn’t bring home any aphids or other pests .
Basil can be a bit of a diva. It loves a bright, sunny spot, but it hates the intense midday heat. It wants a breezy location but can’t stand heavy drafts. Most importantly, it likes consistent moisture—just be careful not to overwater, or you’ll end up with root rot.
Growing Your Own Basil from Seed
Growing basil from seed is surprisingly easy, and there’s nothing like the pride of seeing those first sprouts! Plus, starting from seed gives you access to way more cool varieties than you’ll find at the store.
Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Grab a flower pot (about 4 inches wide).
- Add a 1-inch layer of clay pebbles or coarse gravel at the bottom for drainage.
- Fill the pot to the brim with high-quality, nutrient-rich potting soil and press it down slightly.
- Scatter the tiny seeds across the surface.
- Press the seeds gently into the dirt, but don’t cover them! Basil seeds are light-germinating , meaning they need light to wake up.
- Use a spray bottle to mist the soil. A heavy stream from a watering can will wash the tiny seeds away.
- Cover the pot with some plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse and keep the soil from drying out.
- Keep them in a warm spot (between 60-70°F).
- You should see the first tiny green shoots in about 14 days. Once they appear, take the plastic wrap off.
The Right Way to Care for Basil
Basil is what we gardeners call a “heavy feeder.” On top of regular watering , you’ll want to add a liquid fertilizer every two weeks. This keeps the plant healthy and ensures you have plenty to harvest . When you’re ready to cook, always snip off a whole stem rather than just plucking individual leaves. This actually encourages the plant to grow back even bushier!
Pro Tip: Store-bought basil pots are often way too crowded. The plants are packed in so tight they can’t reach their full potential. Try gently dividing the root ball into two or three sections and repotting them separately. You’ll end up with several healthy plants instead of one struggling one!
