Did you know that you can grow basil from seeds, cuttings, or even a grocery store plant? No matter which type you choose, it’s one of the easiest herbs to grow.
Basil is one of those fragrant herbs that I can never have too much of. With its aromatic leaves and delicious flavor, it’s a staple in my kitchen.
It is wonderful in sauces and a fresh aromatic. Sprinkle fresh basil over tomato sauces, blend it into homemade pesto, or add a few individual leaves to a summer salad.
Growing your own basil means you’ll always have a steady supply of this tender annual herb right at your fingertips.
The most widespread basil variety is common or sweet basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum. Other variations include purple basil, which is less sweet than the common type, lemon basil with its distinct lemony flavor, and Thai basil, known for its subtle licorice notes.
Basil thrives in warm weather and is happiest in a sunny spot with plenty of light and well-drained soil. You can grow it in a garden bed, in larger containers on a patio, or even indoors on a sunny windowsill with a little help from a grow light.
Whether you’re looking to start young basil plants from scratch or simply keep a supermarket basil plant alive, this guide will walk you through the best way to grow, care for, and harvest basil for the freshest, most flavorful leaves all season long.
Quick Guide to Growing Basil
- Best Time to Plant. Start seeds indoors in early spring or plant outdoors in late spring after the danger of frost has passed.
- Growing Conditions. Needs full sun (6–8 hours of sun), well-drained soil, and good air circulation.
- Growing from Seeds. Sow basil seeds indoors for a head start, then transplant young plants outdoors when soil temperature is warm.
- Growing from Cuttings. Root basil cuttings in a glass of water, then plant them in small pots or a garden bed.
- Indoor Basil Care. Place near a south-facing window or use a grow light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Outdoor Basil Care. Use fertile soil, prune basil regularly, and protect from cold weather.
- Harvesting Tips. Pick individual leaves or snip them above a leaf node to encourage leaf production.
- Common Problems. Watch for fungal diseases, powdery mildew, and basil flowers, which can reduce leaf flavor.
Choosing the Right Basil Variety
There are different types of basil, each offering unique flavors and growth habits. Genovese basil is a favorite for classic Italian dishes, while Thai basil adds a peppery, licorice-like taste to Southeast Asian cuisine. Holy basil, often used in herbal remedies, and lemon basil, with its citrusy aroma, are also great additions to an herb garden. When selecting a variety, consider your climate and outdoor conditions. Some types, like bushy plants, thrive better in warmer climates.
Growing Basil from Seeds
Basil is not usually seeded directly into the soil; typically, gardeners transplant small starter plants purchased at a nursery. Another option is to start the seeds indoors.
If you’re growing basil from seed, you have two main options: starting seeds indoors in a south-facing window or under a grow light, or direct seeding outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
Each method has its advantages. Starting indoors gives you a head start on the growing season, while direct seeding in the garden keeps things simple.
Keep reading to learn the best way to plant and care for basil seedlings, whether you’re starting them in seed trays inside or sowing them directly into a garden bed in late spring when soil temperature is warm enough for young plants to thrive.
The best time to sow basil seeds is in early spring, about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, to give the basil seedlings a head start indoors. Use seed trays filled with fertile soil that has good drainage, and place them in a south-facing window or under a grow light for plenty of light. Maintain a soil temperature of 70°F (21°C) for best results.
Once the first set of true leaves appear, transfer young plants into larger containers or garden beds with well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
If direct-sowing outdoors, wait until late spring when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C) and the danger of frost has passed.
Growing Basil from Cuttings
A great way to propagate new basil plants is through basil cuttings. Take a cut end from a healthy basil stem, just below a leaf node, and place it in a glass of water in a sunny spot.
Within a week or two, roots will begin to form. Once the roots are at least an inch long, transfer the cutting into well-drained soil in small pots or a garden bed. Good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal diseases, so avoid overcrowding.
Growing Basil Indoors
If you’re growing basil indoors, choose a sunny windowsill that gets at least six hours of sun per day. A south-facing window is ideal, but if natural light is limited, supplement with a grow light. Use small pots with drainage holes and fill them with the best soil—a lightweight mix with good drainage and organic matter.
Basil is a heavy feeder, so a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks helps maintain leaf production and encourages compact plants. Be mindful of soil moisture—water basil when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Growing Basil Outdoors
For outdoor growth, plant basil in a garden bed or larger containers in a sunny spot with full sun exposure (at least six to eight hours of sun). If you live in hot weather areas, provide afternoon shade to prevent wilting. Best soil conditions include fertile soil that retains moisture but drains well.
Regular pruning is the best way to encourage bushy plants and prevent basil flowers from forming too early, as flower buds can slow leaf production. Pinch off the top of the plants every few weeks to promote new growth.
Growing Basil from Grocery Store Plants
Many people buy basil seedlings from a local garden center or pick up a basil plant at the grocery store, but these young plants often struggle because they are overcrowded. The best way to keep them thriving is to separate individual stems and replant them in larger containers with drainage holes.
Grocery store basil is often grown in indoor conditions and needs time to adjust to outdoor settings. Gradually expose it to outdoor conditions by placing it outside for a few hours each day before fully transplanting.
Caring for Your Basil Plants
Watering & Fertilizing
Basil prefers consistent soil moisture, but overwatering can lead to fungal diseases. The best way to water basil is to soak the soil deeply, then let the top inch dry out before watering again. Use a liquid fertilizer every few weeks, especially for potted plants, as they deplete nutrients faster.
Pruning & Harvesting
To harvest basil, snip individual leaves or cut stems just above a leaf node. The best time to harvest is in the morning when the aromatic leaves have the best flavor. Frequent harvesting prevents basil flowers from forming, ensuring continuous leaf production through late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
- Yellowing lower leaves → Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
- Leggy growth → Not enough direct sunlight or pruning.
- Powdery mildew → Poor air circulation or excessive humidity.
- Aphids and pests → Spray with a mixture of olive oil and mild soap.
What are True Leaves?
True leaves are the first set of leaves that appear after the initial seed leaves (cotyledons) when a plant begins to grow.
When basil seeds sprout, the first leaves you see are cotyledons, which are small, rounded, and look different from the plant’s mature leaves. These cotyledons provide nutrients to the young basil plant until it develops its first set of true leaves, which resemble the classic shape of basil leaves.
For basil, true leaves usually appear a few days to a week after sprouting, depending on soil temperature and light conditions. Once the plant has at least two sets of true leaves, it is strong enough to be transplanted into larger containers or a garden bed for best results.
Growing your own basil is an easy and rewarding experience. Whether you start with seeds, cuttings, or a grocery store plant, providing plenty of light, good drainage, and regular pruning will lead to bushy plants with delicious leaves all season long. With the right care, your sweet basil, Thai basil, or even holy basil can thrive, adding fresh flavors to your kitchen while enhancing your herb garden.
References
Almanac. How to Grow Basil Plants: The Complete Guide.
Bonnie Plants. Growing Basil.
