But what about after the growing season ends?
Temperatures below 50F can damage basil leaves, and exposure to 45F or lower can kill the plant.
This is true for differenttypes of basil, including Italian, Thai, and purple varieties.
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Here’s how to overwinter basil after the growing season ends.
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If your space can’t provide this much light, you’ll need to use a grow light instead.
Watering
Keep up with regular watering through late summer and early fall.
Once it’s inside, water your basil plant enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Note that the plant will require less water than it does in the summer months.
Fertilizing
Avoid fertilizing any basil plants that you’d like to overwinter after August.
Pruning
Continueharvesting basiluntil before your region’s first frost date.
Avoid pruning plants that you’d like to overwinter indoors after this date.
Take cuttings topropagate indoorsbefore your region’s anticipated first frost as well.
Pests
Examine outdoor basil plants thoroughly before bringing them indoors for the winter.
Look for signs of common pests like whiteflies and aphids.
Check the undersides of leaves for the eggs of insect pests.
Instead, plan to purchase or grow new basil plants for the following season.
Fall Frost Tolerance of Common Vegetables.South Dakota State University Extension.
Winterizing the Herb Garden.NC State Extension.
Basil #455964.AskExtension Knowledgebase.
