From seed starting to planting in pots or directly in the garden, learn how to grow healthy, vigorous basil that produces flavourful leaves all summer long.
Basil is one of the most beloved herbs in the garden and the kitchen. Easy to grow and highly productive, it thrives when given the right conditions. Whether you’re starting from seed or transplanting nursery-grown plants, this complete guide walks you through every step to successfully grow basil in pots or in the ground.
Starting basil from seed
You can begin your basil crop in two ways: by purchasing ready-to-plant seedlings or by starting your own seeds. Seed starting is ideal if you want specific varieties or prefer organic growing.
When to sow
- Indoors: anytime, but ideally from March to May.
- Outdoors: from mid-March in a protected space such as a greenhouse or mini greenhouse.
Key steps for successful seed starting
- Wash and disinfect a pot about 15 cm (6 in.) wide with drainage holes.
- Fill it with seed-starting mix, leaving 2 cm (¾ in.) at the top.
- Moisten the soil gently.
- Sprinkle about ten basil seeds on the surface and cover with 5 mm (¼ in.) of mix.
- Moisten again and cover with a clear lid or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect.
- Place the pot in a warm spot (around 21 °C), as heat encourages germination.
- Once the seedlings appear (5 to 10 days), remove the cover and provide at least 6 hours of light per day.
- When seedlings reach about 10 cm (4 in.), pinch the growing tip by removing the terminal bud between your thumb and index finger. This encourages branching and produces a fuller, stronger, more productive plant.
- Keep the soil evenly moist and rotate the pot a quarter turn every 3 to 5 days so the stems grow straight toward the light.
When your seedlings have 4 to 6 true leaves and have begun branching thanks to pinching, they’re ready to be hardened off and transplanted.
Transplanting basil
Native to tropical regions, basil is sensitive to cold. It grows very well in pots (indoors or on a balcony) and in the ground, as long as it enjoys a warm, sunny, sheltered location. The soil should be light, well-drained and enriched with organic matter.
Wait until late May, when all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Seedlings should have at least 4 to 6 true leaves.
Hardening off: place your seedlings outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the duration. If you purchase a basil plant from a garden centre, transplant it as soon as you get home.
Planting basil in pots
- Wash and disinfect the container.
- Add a layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage.
- Fill with herb potting mix and a handful of compost. Mix well.
- Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball.
- Place the root ball in the centre of the pot and fill with soil.
- Water thoroughly.
- Purple basil is especially attractive in mixed planters. Pair basil with tomatoes—many gardeners say it enhances their flavour.
Planting basil in the ground
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- If your soil is heavy, lighten it with sand.
- Add a handful of compost to the bottom of the hole.
- Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the roots.
- Place the root ball in the centre and backfill.
- Water thoroughly.
- Space plants 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) apart.
- Plant basil near tomatoes, beans, squash or cabbage for beneficial companion planting.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Planting too early: basil is very sensitive to cold.
- Watering the foliage: increases the risk of fungal diseases.
- Using a pot that’s too small: limits growth and production.
- Skipping hardening off: leads to transplant shock.
- Planting in a windy location: basil prefers sheltered spots.
Learn more
To learn how to care for basil, prune it properly, prevent diseases and maximize your harvest, read our full guide: How to Care for Basil.
To explore basil varieties and choose the best one for your recipes, visit: Basil: The Star of Aromatic Herbs.
With a few simple steps and a bit of attention, your basil will reward you with abundant, fragrant harvests all summer long. Visit your local Botanix garden centre for personalized advice from our experts.
