How to plant a basil

Growing Basil Herbs | Planting & Care Tips – Bonnie Plants

It's easy to learn how to grow basil, a versatile, delicious herb. Get expert tips for growing basil in your own home garden.

A woody, branching plant, basil is a warm-weather annual that grows very fast in 80- to 90-degree weather. When growing basil, note that two or three plants will yield plenty of fresh leaves for a family of four — unless you plan to make pesto. (To make and freeze a winter's supply of pesto, plant a dozen or more.) Many gardeners mix various types of basil in their flower beds, where it is ready for a quick harvest anytime. It is also great for containers.

Quick Guide to Growing Basil

Plant basil 2 weeks after the last spring frost. This flavorful herb is perfect for raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens.
Space basil according to label recommendations, usually 12 to 18 inches apart. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Consider a premium bagged potting mix for growing in containers.
Give your garden a great foundation by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter into your native soil.
Basil thrives in moist soil, so check moisture levels often and water deeply once the top inch becomes dry.
As basil plants grow to 4 to 6 inches tall, pinch off the topmost branches to promote more side shoots and a taller plant overall. Be sure to pinch off blooms to prevent your plant from going to seed.
Encourage excellent leaf production by keeping basil fed with a water-soluble plant food.
Once basil grows to 6 to 8 inches tall, harvest leaves anytime by pinching them off.

Soil, Planting, and Care

Basil needs 6 to 8 hours of sun; in the South and Southwest, it benefits from afternoon shade. Start with strong young basil plants from Bonnie Plants® for best results, and set them out at least 2 weeks after the last frost in spring. (Summer planting is okay, too.) Space at the distance recommended on the label, which is generally 12 to 18 inches apart. Plants are very frost sensitive, so keep plants protected in case of a late cold spell.

Basil likes rich, moist, but well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 7. Test your soil, or simply improve it by adding plenty of organic nutrients from compost, blood meal, or cottonseed meal. Or, just add a few inches of aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil to the top layer of your native soil. If planting in a container, use a large pot to keep the plants from drying out quickly in hot weather. Fill the pot with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose Container Mix, which also contains compost but is lighter and fluffier than in-ground soil, perfect for growing in pots.

While rich, nutritious soil is a great starting point for growing basil, you'll get even better results if you also feed your plants regularly—especially because basil is harvested heavily for lots of leaves. Fertilize your basil with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition. It goes beyond just feeding your plants, also nourishing the beneficial microbes in the soil that help those plants take up all the nutrients they need.

Water deeply and thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Keep in mind that pots tend to dry out faster than in-ground gardens, and that no matter where you plant, you'll probably need to water more often as temperatures rise. You may also want to add mulch around your basil plants to help keep the soil moist and extend the time between waterings.

Want to grow basil indoors? Read our How to Grow Herbs Indoors article for tips on growing in pots, or consider planting basil in a water-based (aka hydroponic) growing system like the Miracle-Gro® Twelve™ Indoor Growing System. Here's how it works: Plants grow directly in water that is circulated around the roots, delivering all the air, moisture, and nutrition they need, while an LED grow light provides the "sunlight". It's an excellent environment for growing!

Troubleshooting

Occasionally, basil is bothered by aphids, slugs, or Japanese beetles. However, the biggest threat is poor drainage, so to avoid root rot, plant in a well-drained location. Also, don't let it get too dry, or growth may be stunted. If your plants get away from you to the point at which they are making seeds and have stopped growing, shear off the top third of the stems and fertilize with liquid fertilizer. Never cut the woody part of the stem, or the plant won't sprout back.

Harvest and Storage

Harvest leaves by pinching them from the stems anytime after the young plants have reached a height of 6 to 8 inches. Pinch the leaves from the tips of the stems to encourage the plant to branch and make more leaves. Try to keep the stems pinched even if you don't use the leaves; otherwise, the plant will begin to flower and make seeds, and will stop producing leaves. At the first prediction of even the lightest frost, go ahead and harvest all your basil because it will quickly turn black in cold weather. Make easy work of this by cutting the entire plants off at ground level, then pick off the best leaves. You can dry them, but freezing them or using them in vinegar best preserves the herb's flavour. You can also use the leaves to flavour oils and pesto, which should be kept refrigerated or frozen. (Don't keep fresh leaves in the refrigerator, though, as they will turn brown.)

You can also keep cut stems fresh for a few days by putting the cut ends in water just like a cut flower. They will add a fresh fragrance to the air.

Uses

For the fullest flavor, add fresh basil to dishes within the last 5 or 10 minutes of cooking time. Use fresh basil in tomato dishes, soups, salads, sauces, and pasta. Its flavor blends well with parsley, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and sage.

You can grow a lot of basil in a vegetable garden, where it is handy for a big harvest to make pesto. This is sweet basil.Basil wants to bloom as summer progresses. To keep the plant lush, pinch off the bloom stems as they appear, which encourages the plant to branch.

This Thai basil has purple blooms.Basil can be a beautiful addition to the garden and landscape. This pot of purple basil provides height, color, and flavor in the garden bed near a patio.

FAQs

When I pick basil leaves, do I pluck them from the top or the bottom of the stem?

Basil, like many herbs, is grown for its foliage, not fruit or flowers. Anything you can do to encourage new leaves, such as fertilizing or pruning, is a good idea. Picking leaves is also pruning, so you can stimulate your plant to grow while harvesting. Always cut leaves from the top of the plant. Instead of cutting individual leaves, pinch out the top of the stem. This should include the small new leaves or a flower stalk and a pair of full-size leaves growing below the tip. You can also cut low enough to include several pairs of leaves if you need a lot of basil. Just be sure that your cut is on a light-colored stem that is relatively young. The older woody portions may not sprout new growth.

What can I do to save my basil from frost?

If the frost is early and light, cover plants with a sheet or blanket. The best way is to put stakes in the ground around the plant so that the leaves are not touching the covering. Weight the edge of the covering with stones or bricks. Uncover as soon as temperatures rise above 40 degrees. Cutting branches of basil and putting them in a vase of water is always a good idea, as they will last up to a week. If you want to preserve basil for use during the winter, puree leaves in a food processor with olive oil. Freeze the puree in ice cube trays, and then store the cubes in freezer bags. These make individual portions to be added to soups, spaghetti sauce, or any recipe calling for fresh basil.

Can I transplant my basil into a pot to bring indoors this winter?

Basil is difficult to grow indoors, but if you have a sunny window, you can give it a try. Growth will not be as robust, nor will the flavor be as good, but it is definitely better than having no fresh basil at all. In fall you may not have any choice but to transplant large plants from the garden, but it is better to start fresh with a small plant if possible. If the basil in your garden has reseeded, dig up a big seedling to transplant. If you must dig the big plant in the garden, get as much of the roots as possible and put it in a pot large enough for the growing plant, using a good quality potting mix. This will be like transplanting a garden shrub.

How do I care for an indoor pot of basil?

Expect the plant to wilt and drop leaves as it makes the transition to the indoors. Watch for signs of mealy bugs and spider mites, two common problems with indoor herbs. Because you want to eat the leaves, most pesticides are not an option. Try misting plants daily to increase humidity and decrease the likelihood of spider mites. Then if problems appear, treat with insecticidal soap or diluted dishwashing liquid.

My basil has bare stems at the top and a few ugly leaves below. What happened?

Beginning in midsummer, basil plants will bloom, make seeds, and die. That is the normal lifecycle for an annual plant like basil. Just like zinnias, marigolds, and other annuals benefit from deadheading (removing spent flowers), so will basil. Unlike showy annuals flowers, basil blooms are subtle, looking like a small bud or green cone at the top of the stem. With time, this bud will expand into several inches of insignificant white flowers. Go ahead and pinch off the flower bud as soon as it appears. Continue pinching through the latter part of summer to prevent seed set and to encourage new leafy growth.

My basil turns my fingers black. What can I do?

When harvesting basil, you will find that any bruises will turn black, including the plant juice that gets on your fingers and under your nail when pinching the stem. Use kitchen scissors to avoid the problem. If you are cutting a lot of basil, as you would at the end of the season or when you want to make pesto, wear gloves. If you already have stained fingers, use a pumice soap and/or stone on your fingers, and do the best you can with a nail brush. Otherwise, the color will wear off in a few days.

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How to Grow Basil in a Container Herb Garden

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gardening

herbs

Tips & Techniques

Jayme Henderson

updated Sep 21, 2022

Basil is the most perfect herb — especially when summer rolls around. I generously sprinkle it over caprese salads, top pasta with it, muddle it into Bloody Marys, and make sweet basil syrup for my sliced summer strawberries. And don’t even get me started about how liberally I toss freshly chopped basil on my pizza; I know I’m not alone here.

But those packages or bundles of basil at the grocery store can really add up. To grow your own basil, simply find a sunny windowsill, fill a container with well-drained soil, and plant it among other herbs and vegetables. Fun fact: It’s way less expensive to buy an established basil plant and focus your energy on growing your own leaves. Plus, it doesn’t get much fresher than basil you freshly picked two seconds ago!

Here’s everything you need to know about growing your own basil.

Why Should I Grow Basil?

There’s nothing like clipping fresh basil leaves from your garden (or windowsill!) and adding it right into whatever you’re cooking. The question should really be: “Why shouldn’t I grow basil?” Basil’s fresh, spicy, clove-scented flavor profile is a natural addition to so many cooking styles and cuisines.

Just one well-pruned plant will supply you with about a 1/2 cup’s worth of basil each week. Even if you’re limited on space, simply find a sunny windowsill, fill a container with well-drained soil, and you’re in business. Basil for months.

Certainly the most common cultivar of basil is sweet basil or Genovese basil, but other culinary options — such as Thai, lemon, globe, and cinnamon — are also readily available. One of the main differences between basil and other herbs is the fact that it is a tender annual. It is very sensitive to the cold, so get ready to plant it soon! May is the best time to start growing basil!

How to Plant Basil

Where: Basil is a wonderful addition to a container garden. It thrives in well-drained soil, positioned in a sunny window. In a larger garden, plant basil among your tomatoes. It’s a one-stop shop for your next caprese salad.
When: Basil is easy to sow from seed and is relatively quick to germinate. When planting from seed, plant seeds about six weeks before the last frost. Basil is super sensitive to the cold, so whether you are transplanting seedlings from indoors or have plants in the ground, watch the early spring temperatures and cover if necessary. If you are planting a cutting or transplanting a seedling or smaller plant, make sure the ground temperature is at least 70°F.
Propagation: In addition to sowing basil from seed, a cutting of basil will easily root when placed in water. Select a four-inch section of basil that has not yet flowered. Roots will form within a week. Transplant the basil directly into the garden or container once a healthy root system is apparent.

How to Cultivate Basil

Soil: Basil does its best in well-drained, moist soil with a neutral pH. I add a rich compost to the soil at the beginning of the season. Not much more soil amendment is necessary. In fact, if the soil is too rich, basil loses some of its flavor intensity.
Sun: Basil grows well in warm environments that receive about six hours of sun each day. I have a couple of basil plants growing in an area that receives only four hours of sun, but they aren’t as prolific as the others. My best basil plants actually grow in an east-facing area that doesn’t get the scorching, midday sun.
Water: Give basil water when the soil is dry to the touch, doing your best to water the plant at its base and not all over its leaves.
Spacing: Depending upon the variety, basil grows anywhere from 12 to 24 inches in height. Space basil plants 12 to 16 inches apart. If you’re limited on space or only grow in containers, consider spicy globe basil, which tends to form a small, mounding habit.
Companion planting: Plant basil among other herbs and vegetables with similar lighting and watering needs, like tomatoes or parsley. Some even say tomatoes taste better when they neighbor basil. Plant basil alongside chamomile, lettuce, peppers, and oregano. I even like to keep a few pots of basil on my back porch to deter mosquitoes.

How to Harvest Basil

Basil is a pick-as-you-go kind of herb. You may harvest only what you need, or if you have an abundance on hand, you may clip a mass harvest. Harvest basil as you would mint, snipping a stem just above the point where two large leaves meet. Regular clipping encourages a more rounded, less leggy plant.

It’s always better to harvest basil before the plant flowers. If you don’t have time to harvest any leaves, just pinch off the flowering portion. The flowers are actually edible, but if you pinch them off, the plant can now direct its energy on growing tasty leaves. Also be sure to only harvest up to 2/3 of the entire plant, so it can continue producing.

How to plant basil, parsley, dill, herbs in the garden May-June 2022 | 74.ru

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All of the above crops, except for basil, can be sown right now in the greenhouse. Basil is best grown through seedlings.

- This crop cuts well and produces greenery. Usually, basil is planted in a pot, and when warm, stable weather sets in, then it is transplanted into open ground. In Siberia and the Urals, it is better to do this in late May - early June, in warmer regions it is possible earlier, - advises Lyudmila Shubina, agronomist, candidate of agricultural sciences.

Zoning does not play a role in the case of greenery. Of the varieties of basil, attention should be paid to: "purple", "lemon", "green". nine0003

Basil is sown to a depth of approximately 1 centimeter. The distance between the rows should be at least 5 centimeters, because a fairly abundant leaf mass is growing. It is easy to grow parsley and dill. Seeds are sown in grooves up to 2 centimeters deep. The distance between the rows should be impressive, especially in the case of parsley - at least 20 centimeters. These crops require good watering. nine0105

— Among the parsley varieties showed themselves well: "Italian giant", "ordinary", "root", - listed Lyudmila Shubina.

There are dozens of very prolific varieties of dill: "umbrella", "richelieu", "gribovsky", "amazon".

Celery crops germinate for a long time - 12-15 days, so it is better to grow them through seedlings. The term for cutting greens also comes quite late, even in early ripening varieties, after about 2–2.5 months.

Celery has many proven varieties: "samurai", "zahar", "afina", "eccentric". nine0003

The depth of the holes when planting seedlings should be about 8-10 centimeters. When sowing in open ground, the seeds are mixed with sand and evenly distributed over the garden. Shoots are thinned out.

Spinach is a herbaceous plant that is very easy to grow. Seeds are planted in grooves to a depth of 1-2 centimeters.

- Spinach is very useful and well increases hemoglobin. It also contains a lot of iron. Spinach grows calmly even at a temperature of 10–15 degrees,” said Lyudmila Shubina. nine0105

Among the prolific varieties are: "fat-leaved", "robust", "matador".

Basil, like most herbs, prefers open sunny areas. Dill and parsley also love the sun, but in the summer heat they still have to be shaded so that they do not wither and turn yellow.

Leaf celery can be planted in light shade. Spinach does not like direct sunlight, so choose a dark spot in the garden for it.

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Basil can be grown in two ways: through seedlings or by sowing seeds directly into open ground. In the first case, the yield will be larger, since the growing season will increase, the plants will be able to grow more greenery. But a reckless method will help reduce labor costs.

Useful information about basil

Sowing dates	• for seedlings - March 25 - April 10; • outdoor seed - 25 May - 10 June
Scheme of sowing (landing)	40x25 cm, 30x30 cm,
Seedless seas depth	0.5 cm
Perenia	zucchini, peas, beans, beans, onions, carrots; • bad - all types of cabbage, radish, radish
Place	Well-lit area

How to determine the timing of planting in your area

Seed sowing time depends on the cultivation option:

seedling method – from March 25 to April 10;
when sown in open ground - from May 25 to June 10.

- You can sow basil in the garden earlier, in early May, but on condition that the soil warms up well (up to 15 ° C), and then the plants will be covered with non-woven material. It is not worth sowing without shelter before the end of May - there may be return frosts, and the basil will not survive them, says agronomist-breeder Svetlana Mikhailova.

They also depend on the purpose of cultivation. If you need basil for greens, then you can not bother with seedlings, but sow the seeds immediately on the beds. And if you want to collect your seeds, then it must be grown through seedlings (1), otherwise they will not have time to ripen.

How to prepare seeds for sowing

Basil seeds do not require any pre-treatment - they are sown dry to a depth of 0.5 cm (2).

If the seeds are sown for seedlings in boxes, then the grooves are made at a distance of 5 - 7 cm from each other, and it is desirable to leave about 2 cm between plants.

If the seeds are sown immediately in open ground, you can use different schemes, but the classic ones are two:

between rows - 40 cm, in a row - 25 cm;
between rows - 30 cm, in a row - 30 cm.

- Basil seedlings are planted at the same distance. It may seem that there is too much room for spices, but it’s not worth it, - advises agronomist Svetlana Mikhailova, - basil is a rather powerful plant, some varieties reach a height of 40 cm, while it loves an abundance of light, and with a dense planting, the bushes will shade each other and will not give the proper harvest. nine0003

Tips for caring for basil seedlings

Temperature and lighting. Basil sprouts appear after 10-12 days, provided that the boxes were kept warm, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (3). If the room is cool, seedlings may appear later.

- But after the sprouts have sprouted, the seedlings should be moved to a cooler (16 - 18 ° C) and always bright place (ideally - to the south window), - Svetlana Mikhailova recommends, - only in this case the plants will turn out strong and stocky. And in heat and with a lack of light, they are strongly drawn out. nine0003

Watering. Basil seedlings should be watered with warm water and infrequently - the earth should dry out a little. Excessive moisture can trigger an outbreak of fungal diseases, such as black leg. For this reason, it is important to drain the water from the pans after watering.

Top dressing. On the Internet you can find a lot of advice on feeding basil seedlings, but it is better not to fertilize it with anything at all - there are usually enough nutrients in the soil. But excess nitrogen fertilizers (including organic ones) can lead to the accumulation of nitrates - all spice crops are prone to this problem. nine0003

Formation. When the seedlings have 6 - 9 true leaves, pinch the crown of the plants - they will bush better and give a bigger harvest.

Hardening. 2 weeks before planting basil on the beds, it is useful to harden the seedlings. First, it can be taken out into the fresh air (into the yard, onto a balcony or loggia) for a couple of hours. Then the time is gradually increased, and after a few days the plants can be left outside for the whole day, and if the temperature is above 5 ° C at night, then for the night. nine0003

Landing in open ground. Basil seedlings should be planted at the same level at which they grew in the box - it is undesirable to bury. It is better to do this on a cloudy day or in the evening, so that the seedlings have time to adapt to a new place. When planting in the morning or afternoon, young plants may suffer from the scorching sun.

Favorable days for planting seedlings at home or in a greenhouse

Sowing seeds for seedlings: March 25-30, April 3-5, April 7-9.

Sowing seeds in open ground: 25-26, 30 May, 1-3, 5-6, 10-11 June.

Favorable days for planting seedlings in open ground

Planting seedlings: May 27-31, June 3-4, June 10.