Kickstart your kitchen herb garden by growing basil indoors

How to grow basil from seed

Let's start at the beginning. While shop-bought basil is convenient, nurturing your basil from the very beginning adds a touch of satisfaction to your green endeavors. Plus, basil plants from supermarkets often aren't in the best condition for long-term growth, so it can be best to start fresh.

We've broken things down into a simple step-by-step guide.

1. Seed selection

   When choosing seeds, consider the variety that best matches your culinary preferences and the available space in your garden or container. Your basil adventure starts with choosing the right seeds. Opt for classics like Genovese basil for its sweet aroma, space-saving Spicy Globe for compact settings, or the exotic Thai for a unique culinary flair.

2. Preparation

   Prepare the stage for your basil seeds by filling small pots or a seed tray with a quality seed-starting mix. Brands like Westland Seed & Cutting Compost or John Innes Seed Sowing Compost work wonders. Ensure the soil is slightly moist for the perfect growing environment.

3. Sowing

   Gently place a couple of seeds in each pot or cell, covering them with soil at about a quarter-inch depth. It's the first step in the dance of life for your basil plants.



4. Germination

   Give your basil seeds the spotlight they deserve by placing the pots in a warm, bright spot. Keep the soil consistently moist, but be cautious not to drown your budding herbs. Germination usually begins within 5-10 day, so you don't have long to wait.

5. Thinning

   As your basil seedlings make their grand entrance, it's time to play director. Thin them out, allowing the strongest contender to take center stage in each pot. It's kind to be cruel, and a necessary step to ensure robust and healthy basil growth.

6. Transplanting

   Watch your basil seedlings evolve into sturdy plants with a few sets of true leaves. When this moment arrives, move them into larger pots filled with regular potting soil. Congratulations! You've successfully nurtured new basil plants, ready to grace your urban garden with freshness and flavour.

Cultivating and Caring for Established Basil Plants

Optimal sunlight and watering:

• Sunlight:

  Let the sunshine in! Basil thrives in sunlight, so position it near a south-facing window. If natural light is scarce, consider a grow light. Keep the temperature cozy at around 21°C (70°F).

• Watering:

  Maintain a moisture balance—keep the soil consistently moist but not drenched. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.

  Finding the right balance prevents root rot or undue stress on your basil. It's a delicate dance!

Pruning and jarvesting techniques:

• Regular pruning:

  It's pruning time – a horticultural haircut for your basil! Don't shy away from giving your plant a little TLC. Embrace the art of trimming by delicately pinching off the tip of the main stem and any overambitious long branches.

  Think of it as a wellness session for your basil, promoting not just growth, but a flourishing, bushier demeanor that contributes to the overall happiness and vitality of your plant.

• Harvesting leaves:

  Begin from the top, strategically selecting the larger leaves first. This harvesting technique is more than just a routine, it's a strategy for maintaining a perpetual basil supply. By prioritising the larger leaves, you not only enjoy a bountiful harvest but also encourage the smaller, tender leaves below to thrive and flourish. It's a bit like a fisherman throwing back a young fish so it can grow bigger and keep up the supply.

• Flowering:

  If your basil decides to bloom, show it who's boss by pinching off those flower buds. This ain't no houseplant! While it might look pretty, letting it flower can make the leaves bitter. Keep the energy focused on leaf growth instead!

Feeding your basil:

• Watering is one thing, but don't forget about feeding! Nourish your basil with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser like Miracle-Gro All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food every 4-6 weeks. Remember, a little goes a long way and over-fertilising can do more harm than good.

Pest management

So you've spotted some unwanted visitors making themselves at home. Here's what to do next.

• Aphids and spider mites: Combat these critters with a gentle soap solution. Keep an eagle eye on the undersides of leaves and spritz affected areas with the solution.
• Fungus gnats: Don't let overwatering invite fungus gnats to the party. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and consider sticky traps for added protection.
• Japanese beetles: Handpick these intruders or resort to organic pesticides if the situation calls for it.
• Whiteflies: Show these tiny party-crashers the door with yellow sticky traps or a spray of insecticidal soap.

Disease prevention

• Air circulation: Let your basil breathe! Adequate spacing allows for free-flowing air, minimising the risk of fungal diseases.
• Watering technique: Keep the water at the soil level to avoid unnecessary leaf wetness—downy mildew and leaf spot won't stand a chance.
• Soil Health: Opt for well-draining soil and avoid overcrowding to keep root rot and soil-borne diseases at bay.
• Regular inspection: Be a vigilant plant parent. Spotting issues like fusarium wilt or bacterial leaf spot early on is your key to effective management.

How to grow basil from cuttings

So, you've got a basil plant but you want more of it? We hear you. It's such a good addition in the kitchen that it can be easy to overharvest - so the more the merrier!

1. Choosing the perfect cutting

   Start your basil growing journey by selecting a robust stem, approximately 4 inches in length, with several sets of lush leaves. Healthy plants make thriving cuttings!

2. Masterful preparation

   Now that you've found the ideal candidate, make a precise cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top to soak up that sunlight and promote growth.

3. Rooting magic

   Place your basil cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the leaf nodes are submerged. Watch the magic happen as roots begin to develop. Remember to change the water every few days for optimal growth.

4. Nurturing root growth

   After about a week, you'll witness the beauty of root development. Be patient and wait until the roots are about an inch long before proceeding to the next step.

5. Transplanting triumph

   It's time for the final act! Gently transplant the rooted cutting into a pot filled with nutrient-rich potting soil. With that, you've successfully expanded your basil family, and your kitchen is on its way to becoming a culinary haven!

Using basil in cooking

Basil brightens up the kitchen and can satisfy the green thumb of any city dweller, but let's be honest: the best thing about it is using it in the kitchen!

We've rounded up some great basil varieties, along with how to use them to take your culinary creations to the next level:

Advanced growing tips for experienced gardeners

Welcome to the seasoned gardener's corner! Whether you're looking to up your basil game or experiment with new varieties, we've got some advanced tips to help you grow the most robust and flavorful basil right in your urban garden.

Mastering lighting systems

If you're using artificial lighting, knowing the ins and outs can make a huge difference. LED grow lights are a game-changer, offering a spectrum of light that mimics natural sunlight. Position them about 12-24 inches above your basil plants, and adjust as they grow. Remember, different stages of growth might require varying light intensities – seedlings thrive under gentler light, while mature plants can handle more intensity. Experiment to find what works best for your basil variety, but always aim for that sweet spot of 10-14 hours of light per day.

Variety is the spice of life

Each basil variety comes with its unique personality and needs. Did you know they grow differently too? Genovese basil might prefer a bit more warmth, thriving at temperatures around 20-25°F, while Thai basil can handle slightly cooler environments. The key is to observe and tweak – notice how different varieties respond to your care and adjust your watering, lighting, and feeding accordingly.

Pruning techniques for different basil varieties

Each variety of basil has unique pruning needs to maximize its health and flavor. Understanding these can enhance your gardening experience.

• Classic Genovese Basil responds well to regular topping off the central stem, promoting a fuller plant and more leaves for harvesting.
• Thai Basil, with its anise-like flavor, benefits from selective pruning of terminal buds to encourage lateral growth for a denser yield.
• Lemon Basil, known for its citrusy notes, prefers light pruning. Gentle snipping of the tips stimulates growth without excess stress.
• Purple Basil demands frequent pinching to maintain vibrant color and intense flavor, focusing on both flower buds and young leaves.
• Spicy Globe Basil, ideal for small spaces, requires minimal pruning, with light trimming to maintain shape and encourage leaf production.
• Sweet Basil, popular for its versatility, benefits from consistent pinching of the tips, especially before flowering, to ensure a continuous supply of flavorful leaves.

How to trim basil to promote growth

Alright, so you’ve got yourself some basil, and you want it to thrive, right? Trimming it is like giving it a spa day — it refreshes it and keeps it looking sharp.

Here’s the deal: when your basil hits about 6 inches tall, it’s time to get out those scissors. Aim to cut just above a set of leaves, about a quarter inch above. Don’t be shy, but don’t go overboard either. You want to leave some leaves behind to keep the plant photosynthesizing like a champ. And here’s a pro tip: never snip more than one-third of the plant at a time. That way, you won’t stress it out.

Experiment with hydroponics

Ready to take it up a notch? hydroponics can be your new best friend. This soil-less growing method can result in faster growth and higher yields. Basil thrives in hydroponic systems, absorbing nutrients directly from water. Plus, it's a fun way to grow your herbs all year round, without the fuss of soil. Just remember to monitor your nutrient solutions and pH levels to keep your basil happy.

And that's that! Looking for more guides about basil? Check out our related articles below.