Basil Garden Guide

Basil Care At A Glance

• Reliable warm-season annual herb for full sun in pots or in-ground.
• Start seeds indoors with controlled conditions.
• Prefers well-drained, organically rich soil with regular moisture.
• Harvest basil frequently to prevent flowering and plants from going to seed.

Seed Starting Indoors

• Use pre-moistened, seed starting mix free from fertilizer in trays.
• Sow seeds 1/2-inch deep with a light cover of mix or vermiculite.
• Provide consistent bottom heat of 70°-75°F and cover the tray with a plastic dome or wrap.
• Maintain consistent moisture.
• After emergence, uncover, remove from bottom heat, and reduce moisture.
• Place seedlings in bright direct sun or under grow lights.

NOTE: Basil is prone to damping off, so maintain proper sanitation and avoid over-watering, while promoting good air circulation.

• As seedlings develop sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual 3-4-inch peat pots with clean, fresh pre-moistened potting soil.
• Keep watered as needed.
• Once mature, harden off for 7-10 days prior to planting out.

Types

Genovese - Ocimum basilicum, common name Sweet or Sweet Italian Basil.

• Most common with many varieties available with green or purple foliage.
• Tender, heat-loving annuals.
• Used for making into pesto, to enhance other sauces, or as a fresh topping.

Greek - Ocimum basilicum v. minimum, common name Bush Basil.

• Compact, bushy plants to 8 in. tall and wide.
• Heat loving annual with smaller, thicker leaves.
• Used in salads and sauces, often paired with other herbs or vegetables.

Growing

• Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny location.
• Maintain consistent soil moisture.
• Pinch and harvest leaves often to prevent plants from forming flowers and going to seed, which expends plants.
• Use a liquid fertilizer such as 6-6-6 all-purpose ALGOPlus at 1/2 recommended dilution rate, every two weeks once plants are set out.