How to Look After a Basil Plant

Grow basil in well-drained soil in direct sun.

Often grown with tomatoes and oregano, basil is used for flavoring in tomato dishes and sauces. Its pungent flavor enhances eggs and poultry and adds color to salads. Typically producing medium-green oval leaves, this herb grows quickly in the home garden. Some cultivars -- such as Dark Opal, with its dark purple foliage -- are grown as ornamentals. Native to central Africa and Southeast Asia, this tender annual does not tolerate frost and must be planted after all danger of frost has passed.

Things You'll Need

• Garden tiller
• Peat moss or compost
• Basil seedlings

Instructions

1. Select a growing area for basil in an area that receives full sun for six to eight hours a day. Although basil will grow with less light, its fragrance and flavor will be inhibited.

2. Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Amend with a 2-to 4-inch layer of peat moss or compost. This improves drainage and provides aeration for tender roots.

3. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, spaced 6 to 12 inches apart. Position basil seedlings to their original planting depth, and fill in around the roots with fresh soil. Firm down to secure the seedlings.

4. Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to the root level. Keep the soil moist until you observe signs of new growth. Reduce watering to once a week, or whenever the soil feels dry, 1 inch below the surface. Water deeply to saturate the roots with each watering.

5. Pinch out the new growth on the terminal ends when basil is approximately 4 to 6 inches tall. This forces branching and creates dense foliage. Repeat the procedure in two weeks.

6. Remove blooms as they appear. Blooming reduces the intensity of the essential oils responsible for basil's fragrance and flavor.

7. Harvest individual leaves for culinary use early in the morning when flavor is at its peak.

Tips & Warnings

• Basil does not require fertilizer and performs best with average soil. If you prefer to fertilize basil, the University of Minnesota Extension recommends using 3 oz. of 5-10-10 fertilizer per 10-foot row once or twice during the summer -- or water soluble fertilizer mixed at 1/2 strength every four to six weeks.

References

• Colorado State University Extension; Growing Basil; Betty Jo Cahill; January 2010
• University of Minnesota Extension; Basil; June 2007

Resources

• Ohio State University Extension; Growing, Selecting and Using Basil; Jeanne Youger-Comaty