- Basil plants need 6 to 8 hours of sun daily so place them accordingly, opting for afternoon shade if later sun is a scorcher.
- Check the soil regularly, watering when the top inch feels dry.
- Prune the top branches when the plants grow to be 4 to 6 inches tall to encourage more side shoots. Pinch the basil flowers off so the plants do not go to seed.
- Mulch is a good way to block weeds and keep soil moist.
- Feed basil plants with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food one month after planting.
- Begin harvesting when your basil plants are 6 to 8 inches tall.
have you herb? growing basil is easy
The best thing about growing basil of course is when it is ready to eat. To get there faster, opt for young basil plants You say bay-sil, I say bah-sil… tomato or tomAto, there’s definitely one way to make basil grow – and that’s the easy way!
the secret lifecycle of basil
Originally a tropical herb, this Mediterranean beauty is a favourite in North American gardens and incredibly versatile as a herb in your favourite culinary creations. Here we take you from planting, growing, harvesting, and enjoying.
planting your basil
Robert Plant might have sung Stairway to Heaven but the mighty basil plant is one of the most heavenly herbs by far. Its intoxicating aroma has been the basis for fine perfumes and is a welcome addition to any home or indoor garden just for that reason alone.
The best thing about growing basil of course is when it is ready to eat. To get there faster, opt for young basil plants instead of seeds. If growing from seed is your thing, given their cultural roots (and literal ones!) wait for the soil to have warmed, by waiting for the final frost to pass. You could also grow the indoors six to eight weeks prior to the last expected frost date.
here’s how to grow your basil from seed
• Sow basil seeds one-half inch deep in Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix.
• Place three seeds in each seed-starting cell (egg cartons do nicely).
• After the seeds germinate, about one to two weeks, you will see the first set of teardrop-shaped basil leaves appear.
• Snip away the seedlings leaving the most robust looking one in the cell.
• Use larger containers to transfer seedlings or go straight to planting in the garden or use a 12 inch container or more for growing basil in a pot.
• Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in the garden.
• If starting basil from seeds directly in the garden, sow the seeds ½ inch deep in the soil, one inch apart. Prune to 12 to 18 inches apart once the leaves appear.
your basil baby all grown up
To really grow like a pro, check out these essential basil gardening tips.
• Aw, those little basil plants are so cute, couldn’t you just pinch them? Then do it! Pinch the tops of your basil plants once they reach 4 to 6 inches in height to make those babies busher and branched out. Repeat once they have grown another 5 or so inches. If you don’t pinch, flowers will grow and decrease leaf production and poorly affect flavour.
• Those basil babes are a thirsty bunch, and basil plants in containers need watered more often than garden-grown basil. Regularly check the soil and if the top inch is dry, it’s time for a date with the garden hose or watering can.
• Basil, true to its warm Mediterranean roots does not live well in cold temperatures, including your refrigerator, where their tender leaves can get damaged and brown. If they are outside in your garden and the temperature dips down to 5C, it’s time to harvest and enjoy.
• Grow like a pro and add mulch around your basil (and other plants) to fend off weeds and retain soil moisture. Scotts® Nature Scapes® mulch was designed for this purpose.
• To boost leaf production, use a high-quality soil. One month into planting, fortify your soil with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food® every one to two weeks.
happy harvesting
Once your basil plants are a healthy 6 to 8 inches high, prune or pinch the leaves or stems. Freshly picked basic leaves keep well for a few days, especially in a vessel of room temperature water. Pro tip: do not put basil in the fridge as the cold air browns the leaves. You can however freeze it in cubes of water or oil to cook with at a later date.
your secret homegrown ingredient
This verdant, versatile herb tastes like it makes Italian food sing opera, Mediterranean food say OPA and Asian dishes burst with depth of flavour. We all know the savoury uses of basil in pizza salads, sauces, and sandwiches, but it also packs a fresh flavour punch to fruits and smoothies.
Use Thai basil in Southeast Asian dishes like stir-fries, soups and marinades. Chef’s tip: tear, don’t chop, your basil leaves to release the natural oils and flavour and add it last.
basil the international herb
This verdant, versatile herb tastes like it makes Italian food sing opera, Mediterranean food shout, “Opa!”and Asian dishes burst with depth of flavour. We all know the savoury uses of basil in pizza salads, sauces, and sandwiches, but it also packs a fresh flavour punch to fruits and smoothies.
Use Thai basil in Southeast Asian dishes like stir-fries, soups and marinades. Chef’s tip: tear, don’t chop, your basil leaves to release the natural oils and flavour and add it last.
