There are many types of basil with more appearing every year.
Try curly basil,dark opal basil, and the traditional Genovese.
Add basil to bouquets, teas, soups, and almost any fish dish.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
It alsodries and freezes wellso you use the herb all winter.
For instance, classic basil pesto freezes well in small jars or ice cube trays.
Here are some tips to help you grow beautiful, bushy basil indoors or out.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
If basil gets too much sun, it developsleaf burn.
It won’t grow in the shade.
Choose a Container
you might grow basil in almost anything.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
Allkinds of containerswill work, including akiddie poolor even a laundry basket.
Basil needs air circulation so it can grow healthy.
It also doesn’t like to dry out completely, so use a large pot to avoid crowding.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
However, basil is prone to fungus, so keeping airflow between plants is important.
ensure your pot has plenty of drainage holes and that you use high-quality potting mix.
Basil doesn’t like to be too wet, so keep your soil moist, not soggy.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
Try using fabric pots.
And for a more finished look, you put the fabric pot in a larger vessel.
Set them outside about two weeks after your last frost date.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
Basil needs some light to germinate, so don’t plant the seeds too deeplyonly 1/4 inch deep.
Temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit are perfect, but you have some flexibility with the temperature.
Plants will germinate within five to 10 days.
Transplant the seedlings carefully when the plants have three to four sets of leaves.
you’re free to also root basil in water.
Take the stem of a plant, and put it in a clear vase or glass of water.
When roots appear, transplant it outside (after hardening off) into your pot.
Feed and Water Your Basil
Basil is picky about water.
It doesn’t like to be too dry or too wet.
it’s possible for you to alsowater basilfrom the top or bottom.
If the soil feels dry, add water.
Basil growing in pots outdoors will dry out more quickly than basil planted in the ground or growing indoors.
Mix anorganic fertilizerinto thepotting soilwhen you plant.
Alternatively, use small, sterile scissors to cut leaves at the base.
To preserve basil, make pesto and freeze it in jars.
Or, blend basil with a little olive oil and freeze the slurry in an ice-cube tray.
Even if you provide basil with ideal conditions, it usually declines after six to eight months.
An established plant needs a container with a diameter of at least 8 inches.
Growing Basil in Home Gardens.University of Minnesota Extension.
