How To Grow Basil From Seeds
Basil is a popular herb that is used in many culinary dishes for its distinct flavor and aroma. Growing basil from seeds is not difficult, but a cost-effective way to get a fresh supply of the herb all year round.
In this article, we will discuss the steps to grow basil from seeds, including preparation, planting, care, and harvesting.
Step 1: Preparation
Before you start planting your basil seeds, it's important to choose a suitable growing container. Grow the Italian Basil in pots, garden beds, or even indoors.
The container should be large enough to allow the plants to grow, with proper drainage holes to prevent water buildup. Fill the container with a high-quality potting soil that is well-draining, and make sure it is moist but not waterlogged.
Step 2: Planting the Seeds
Once you have your growing container ready, it's time to plant the basil seeds. Make a shallow hole in the soil. Then plant 4-5 seeds 1/4” deep per cell or 3-4” apart in the garden in relatively moist, well-drained soil, in full sun. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and gently press down to make sure the seed makes contact with the soil. Then, water the container until the soil is evenly moist.
Ocimum Basilicum - Italian Basil germinates in 5-10 days.
Cut back to 1-2 plants per pot or every 9-12” in the garden as true leaves establish.
Harden off Basil seedlings before transplanting outside.
Step 3: Care and Maintenance
Basil is a sun-loving plant and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow properly. Make sure your growing container is placed in a sunny location, or use grow lights if you are growing basil indoors. Basil requires regular watering and needs a soil evenly moist.
Too much or too little water can cause the plant to wilt or develop root rot, so make sure to monitor the moisture level in the soil regularly.
Step 4: Harvesting
Basil is ready to be harvested when the plant has at least six leaves. You can harvest basil leaves by snipping them off the stem, or by cutting the entire stem back to just above a set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow back even fuller and bushier.
You can harvest basil leaves as needed or all at once, but make sure not to take more than a third of the plant's leaves at any one time, to avoid over-taxing the plant.
In conclusion, growing basil from seeds is a fun and rewarding process that can provide you with a fresh supply of the herb all year round.
By following these simple steps, you can grow healthy and productive basil plants that will bring flavor and fragrance to your culinary creations.
