How to grow Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Pinch it often and it gives all summer.
Basil is frost-tender — wait until nights are reliably above 50°F before planting out. Pinch the growing tips weekly and a single plant will bush out and feed you all summer long, in any climate.
Grow Basil with step-by-step help for your exact yard.
Start free in Seededly →Basil at a glance
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Spacing | 10–12 in |
| Harvest | Jun → frost |
| Plant | After ~May 20 |
| Note | Frost-tender |
How to grow Basil, step by step
Start warm
- Buy a transplant or start seeds indoors; basil hates cold.
- Set out only after nights stay above 50°F.
Plant in sun
- Full sun, rich soil, even moisture.
- Space about a foot apart for airflow.
Pinch, pinch, pinch
- Pinch the top set of leaves every week or two — it doubles the plant.
- Snip off any flower buds to keep leaves tender.
Harvest & store
- Harvest in the morning for the best flavor.
- Freeze as pesto cubes or in oil — basil doesn’t dry well.
Basil problems & fixes
Basil — Leaves turning yellow: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Often cold or overwatering. Keep it warm and let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
Basil — Plant flowering and getting leggy: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Pinch off flower buds and the top growth to push new leaves.
Basil — Black spots after a cold night: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Cold damage — basil hates anything under 50°F. Cover on chilly nights.
Recommended basil varieties
- Genovese — Best for pesto. The classic large-leaf Italian basil.
- Sweet Thai — Anise. Spicy-sweet with purple stems; great in stir-fries.
- Spicy Globe — Container. Tidy little dome — perfect for pots and windowsills.
Basil month-by-month
| January | Off-season — plan a sunny spot. |
|---|---|
| February | Nothing yet. |
| March | Start seeds indoors late in the month. |
| April | Grow seedlings on a warm windowsill. |
| May | Harden off; plant out after frost. |
| June | Pinch tips weekly; first harvests. |
| July | Peak — harvest often and freeze pesto. |
| August | Keep pinching off flowers. |
| September | Last big harvests before nights cool. |
| October | Bring a plant indoors before frost. |
| November | Done outdoors — enjoy frozen pesto. |
| December | Off-season. |