How to Grow Sweet Basil

Sweet basil is the most popular species of the most popular herb. It is a hardy plant which thrives in hot climates with lots of sunshine and good soil. In the very warmest climates, sweet basil is a perennial, or grows year-round. In cooler climates, it is an annual, growing best in the summer. Originally from Asia, sweet basil is used frequently in Italian, French and Greek cuisines.

Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet basil bed. The soil should be warm but not hot, ideally between 75 and 90 degrees F. The bed must be thoroughly moist; water the day before sowing the seeds. Work the bed to aerate the soil. Make sure that the bed is weed free and add compost to the soil. Sweet basil does best where it can get 3 to 4 hours of sunlight a day in warm climates, 6 to 8 hours in cool climates.

2. Sow the seeds. Sweet basil seed should only be sown after all danger of frost has passed. Otherwise, start the seeds indoors to transplant outdoors later. The seeds should be sprinkled lightly and covered with just a little soil; no more than a quarter of an inch. Press the seeds in firmly so they have contact with the soil in order to germinate.

3. Buy seedlings as an alternative. If getting a late start or to speed the harvest time, buy sweet basil seedlings from a nursery. Sweet basil is very popular, so it will not be difficult to find seedlings in the spring and early summer.

4. Be patient. Sweet basil seeds germinate in about a week. They may be thinned when they have two leaves. Thin the weakest plants to allow enough room for the stronger ones. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

5. Tend the sweet basil. When the sweet basil reaches several inches in height, it may be transplanted if sown indoors. At that height, it may also be mulched to discourage weeds and retain moisture. Water as needed but do not over water, about once a week in dry climates.

6. Prune flower buds as they appear. Pinch back to a juncture of stems; pinching encourages new growth, and the sweet basil will bush out. Do not allow the flowers to mature and bloom; this slows down leaf production.

7. Harvest as needed. Sweet basil may reach a height of 2 to 3 feet. Pick the leaves from the top at an intersection of branches to encourage more leaf development. Pick no more leaves than will be used immediately; basil does not store long in the refrigerator. Frozen sweet basil leaves last a little longer. Basil may also be dried, although the flavor is not as intense.

Tips & Warnings

• Flowering only affects the branch with the flower. Some gardeners allow a few flowers to mature so seeds will be produced. Gather seeds from the seed pods. The seeds may be planted the following year.

• If the sweet basil plant is taking over, harvest the leaves to make a basil pesto. Pesto requires a great deal of basil leaves, so none of the harvested leaves will be wasted.

• Sweet basil may be grown indoors in a pot in the winter. Make sure it is placed in a sunny window with no drafts.

• Always wash basil leaves thoroughly before using fresh sweet basil in cooking. This removes any bacteria or compost contamination.