Basil is my favorite herb to grow because it’s my favorite herb to cook with!
It’s also my favorite because it happens to be an herb I’m very comfortable with in the garden: I love sharing tips with people so they can enjoy this plant in their yard, too.
Whether you have a small garden or if you’ve ever dreamed of snipping fresh basil leaves straight from your garden or kitchen windowsill to toss into a pasta dish or swirl into homemade pesto, you’re in the right place!
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow, even if you’re a beginner, and the rewards are oh-so-worth it.
Whether you have a sunny windowsill, a little patio garden, or a raised bed in your backyard, basil will thrive with a little love and care.
Let me explain everything you need to know about growing and harvesting this fragrant, flavorful herb.
Why Grow Your Own Basil?
There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked basil. Store-bought basil tends to wilt quickly and lacks that punchy aroma you get when you harvest it straight from your garden.
Plus, growing your own means you’ll always have a steady supply on hand for pizzas, salads, soups, and those spontaneous pesto nights.
Basil is also beginner-friendly and forgiving, making it a fantastic herb to grow whether you’re new to gardening or already have a green thumb.
Choosing the Right Basil Variety
Before you plant, it’s helpful to know that there are several types of basil, each with a unique flavor.
- Sweet Basil: The most common type, perfect for Italian dishes and pesto.
- Genovese Basil: A variety of sweet basil with larger, tender leaves and that classic basil flavor.
- Thai Basil: Has a slightly spicier, licorice-like flavor, great for stir-fries and curries.
- Lemon Basil: Citrusy and bright—perfect for fish dishes or teas.
- Purple Basil: A show-stopper with deep purple leaves and a mild flavor, beautiful in salads and as a garnish.
If this is your first time growing basil, I recommend starting with Sweet or Genovese basil—they’re versatile and easy to grow.
How to Plant Basil
When to plant
Basil loves warmth! It thrives when temperatures stay consistently above 60°F (15°C). Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, or directly sow them outdoors once the weather has warmed up in spring or early summer.
Where to plant
Basil does great in garden beds, raised planters, or pots on a sunny windowsill or balcony. The key is good drainage—basil does not like soggy feet!
Soil and sunlight
Basil is happiest in rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Mix in some compost before planting to give it a nutritious boost.
Basil loves sunlight! Aim for 6 to 8 hours a day. If growing indoors, a bright, south-facing window or supplemental grow light will do the trick.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb: water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Basil appreciates regular watering but doesn’t want to sit in standing water.
Growing Tips for Lush, Flavorful Basil
- Pinch, pinch, pinch! Once your basil plant is about 6-8 inches tall, start pinching off the top sets of leaves. This encourages your plant to grow bushier and produce more leaves.
- Remove flower buds as soon as they appear. Flowering signals the plant to slow leaf production, and the flavor can become bitter.
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to ensure good airflow and help prevent disease.
- Pair it with friends! Basil makes a great companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, helping to repel pests like aphids and mosquitoes.
How to Harvest Basil
Here’s where the fun (and flavor!) kicks in. Once your basil has reached about 6-8 inches tall and has several sets of leaves, you can begin harvesting.
The best way to harvest
Using clean garden shears or your fingers, snip or pinch the stem just above a pair of leaves or a node (that little bump where two leaves meet the stem). This will encourage two new stems to grow from that spot, making your plant even fuller.
Pro tip: Don’t be shy! Regular harvesting helps keep your basil plant productive and prevents it from getting leggy.
When to harvest
Morning is the ideal time to harvest basil, when its essential oils are most concentrated, giving you the most flavor.
How to Store and Preserve Basil
Got a big harvest? Lucky you! Here are a few easy ways to keep your basil fresh:
- Short-term: Place basil stems in a glass of water like a bouquet and keep it on your kitchen counter (avoid the fridge if possible—cold temperatures can cause browning). Change the water every couple of days.
- Long-term: Basil freezes beautifully! Blend it with olive oil and freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions to toss into sauces and soups. You can also dry basil in a dehydrator or low oven, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant as fresh or frozen.
Or, of course, whip up a big batch of pesto and stash it in your freezer—you’ll thank yourself later!
Common Basil Growing Problems (and How to Fix Them)
- Yellowing leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
- Aphids or pests: Blast them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap if needed.
- Fungal issues: Basil can be prone to downy mildew or fungal spots in humid conditions. Make sure plants have good airflow and avoid watering the leaves.
You’ve Got This!
Growing basil is one of those simple pleasures that pays off in spades. With just a bit of sunshine, water, and TLC, you’ll have more fresh basil than you know what to do with—and trust me, your kitchen creations will taste better for it.
So, are you ready to try basil growing? I’d love to hear how your herb garden is coming along or your favorite ways to use fresh basil! Drop a comment below or share your photos with me.
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