how do i care for a basil plant?

Answer 1

For best results, plant basil in full sun. In the South, however, basil benefits from afternoon shade. You can buy transplants at garden centers, but basil grows so easily from seed that you may want to grow your own transplants or sow seeds directly in the garden. Basil will not grow in cold soil, so you should wait to start your plants two to four weeks after all danger of frost is past.

Basil likes soil that has a pH of 6.0 and is rich, moist, and well drained. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil before or during planting. Plant seeds in a shallow furrow and cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Because basil seeds have a jellylike coating that makes them float easily, be sure to firm the soil to keep them from washing away with the first rain. When plants are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to 18 to 24 inches apart.

For an earlier start, sow seeds in flats six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Set transplants out when they are 3 to 4 inches tall, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart. Basil transplants will not grow much until the days are warmer and longer, but then they will grow rapidly. You can sow them a second time in midsummer.

Basil requires little maintenance--only monthly clipping or pinching back to promote new growth and prevent seedheads from forming. If seeds develop, they will drop and may sprout the following year. After a heavy clipping, fertilize with liquid fertilizer according to label directions. Keep the soil moist, especially after harvesting, as dry soil can stunt growth.

Basil will often cross-pollinate with other selections of basil planted nearby, resulting in seedlings that may not have the same traits as the original plants. If you want your basil to propagate by reseeding, isolate each selection.

Answer 2

I start mine directly in the garden from seed. In a 2x2 foot square I dump a seed packet or two. When they have 4 leaves I transplant them out in rows or grid 6 inches apart. Feed once with miracle grow, and mulch lightly with chopped hay to keep the dirt from splashing up. Bugs don't like it so don't use pesticide or it will ruin the flavor. Harvest leaves before it develop a seed head. To harvest pinch back to just above the first set of leaves, you've essentially taken the whole plant except 2 leaves and the two nodes at the base of the leaves. That is good, The plant will now double in production. Likes sun and water. It's going to be a good pesto year, freezes well. I have 200 plants in my backyard garden.

Answer 3

Basil likes full sun. They may wither slightly during hot afternoon days, but give them more water in the evening and they'll perk back up. Watering at night increase their water intake.


Water them at least twice a day (Morning and night). Don't over water.


Sprinkle them with "Seven" (It's an Anti-Pest powder. It's edible to humans and animals, but it'll kill bugs directly) every week or so with a small dose until the plant begins to grow.


Harvest before the plant goes to seed.

Answer 4

Basil is a weed that just happens to taste good so treat it like the weed it is. Give it plenty of sunshine, keep it moist and when the tops start to develop flowers, pinch them off. Pinching the tops off will result in a bushier plant with more leaves to use instead of a "leggy" mess that flops all over the garden bed.

Answer 5

Mine likes the sun, I grow it in a container, water it daily and feed it with miracle grow. Just lately I found something feasting on the leaves and started using Garden Safe pesticide for veggies. It is all natural, non-toxic and seems to have closed the all you can eat basil buffet.

Answer 6

Pick leaves off regularly - even if you don't need them. This will keep it growing full and bushy.