The Best Way to Grow Basil from Seeds

By Calin Oancea and Florin Gabriel

4/21/20245 min read

The best way to grow basil from small seeds is to sow them in well-draining soil, keep them consistently moist, provide at least six hours of sunlight daily, and thin seedlings to give the basil plants a bunch of growth space.

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a Basil plant that is growing from small seeds
a Basil plant that is growing from small seeds
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Selecting the Right Seeds

We saw starting with high-quality basil seeds from a reputable source, yields the best results.

There are several varieties of basil, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil, each of the cooking herb varieties offering a unique flavor profile and growth habit.

Sowing Your Basil Seeds

  1. Soil: It is best to use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix in a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

  2. Planting: Sprinkle the basil seeds evenly over the soil surface and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep.

  3. Watering: Water the seeds, so that the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. A spray bottle is ideal for this to avoid displacing the seeds.

multiple green Basil Bushes growing in containers
multiple green Basil Bushes growing in containers

The Germination of Basil Seeds

Basil seeds typically germinate within 5 to 10 days if kept at the right temperature, around 70°F (21°C). Generally, when growing herbs from seeds you want to be sure that the soil remains consistently moist during this period.

The Light Requirements for Basil Herbs

When growing herbs from seeds, place the container in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, once seedlings emerge. If growing basil indoors, a south-facing window is ideal, or consider using a grow light to supplement light exposure.

Thinning the Seedlings

When the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them so that they are spaced approximately 6 to 8 inches apart, this ensures each plant has enough space to grow.

a Basil plnt that has been grown from seed correctly
a Basil plnt that has been grown from seed correctly
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How Long Does Basil Take to Grow from Seed?

Basil seeds typically germinate within 5 to 10 days, like lemon seed planting or herb seed planting and plants can start to be harvested for their leaves as early as 3 to 4 weeks after germination. For a full-grown plant, it usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks from sowing.

How Do You Keep Basil Alive?

To keep basil alive you need to provide it with at least six hours of sunlight daily, water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, grow it in well-draining soil, and also prune regularly by pinching off the tips of your Basil plant.

How Long Do Basil Plants Live?

Basil is an annual herb, meaning it completes its life cycle from seed to seed within one growing season and typically lives for 4 to 6 months under optimal conditions. However, with careful indoor management, basil plants can sometimes be extended beyond a single season.

one poted Basil bush that got pruned properly
one poted Basil bush that got pruned properly
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Watering and Feeding Basil Plants Correctly

Keep the soil evenly moist as basil plants grow. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks to support growth.

Pruning Your Plant Right Way

To harvest herbs you need to pinch off the tips of the basil once it reaches about 6 inches in height and then dry or freeze Basil later on.

Basil herbs that were grown from seed in a pod
Basil herbs that were grown from seed in a pod
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Sources

Nature and Sustainability uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies to support the facts we describe in our articles. Please read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Growing basil general information: How to Grow Basil in Your Garden | USU, Growing basil in home gardens | UMN Extension, Growing Basil for Eating and Preserving (uvm.edu)

  2. Basil's nutritional requirements and growing facts: Basil pdf (hawaii.edu), Vegetable: Basil | Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at UMass Amherst

  3. Pruning basil: How to Prune Basil From Top to Bottom (thespruce.com)

  4. Will basil come back each year: Is Basil a Perennial That Will Come Back Each Year? (bhg.com)

  5. Selecting the right seeds: The basics of selecting garden seeds | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)

  6. Thinning basil seedlings: Thinning Vegetable Seedlings - UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County (ufl.edu)

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Calin Oancea
Calin Oancea
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Article By:

Calin is in the garden industry for 5 years now and knows a lot about gardening and plants. He is the owner of this website and responsible for most of the content.

Reviewed By:

Florin is responsible for reviewing most of the articles, some of the web design and occasionally making improvements so that everyhing we publish looks deam good.