Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing Indoors/Outdoors:
Sow basil seeds from February to June for outdoor growing, or indoors year-round.
Planting:
- Sow seeds on the surface of well-draining compost.
- Lightly cover the seeds.
- Maintain a temperature of 15-25°C (59-77°F) for germination, which typically takes 14-21 days.
- Keep compost consistently moist.
- Once seedlings are large enough, transplant them into 7.5cm (3in) pots.
- Grow in cooler conditions after transplanting.
- Before planting outdoors, harden off seedlings gradually to acclimate them.
- Plant in a sheltered, sunny spot with fertile, sandy soil, or in pots.
Care:
- Watering: Water moderately, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid splashing water directly onto the leaves.
- Harvesting: Harvest regularly by snipping stems. Pinch out flower buds as they appear to encourage more leaf growth and prolong the harvest season.
- Soil: Prefers fertile, sandy soil.
- Sunlight: Requires a full sun position.
- Growth Habit: Reaches a height and spread of approximately 30cm (12in).