Basil Seeds - Sweet Basil - Ocimum basilicum

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Sweet Basil is grown as a frost-sensitive, warm-season annual in all zones. It is a tender perennial only in tropical, frost-free climates (Zones 10-11) but is typically grown as an annual for the best flavor.

Best Performance in Zones 4-9 - Thrives where warm, sunny summers provide the perfect conditions for rapid, lush growth and the development of rich essential oils for the best flavor.

Northern Zones (2-5) - Starting seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost is highly recommended. Transplant seedlings outside only when all danger of frost has passed and the soil is thoroughly warm.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Plant in early spring for a summer-long harvest. In areas with intense summer heat, provide some afternoon shade to prevent wilting and early bolting (flowering). Succession planting every few weeks will ensure a continuous supply of tender young leaves.

Soil Temperature - Basil demands warm soil. Germination is best when soil temperature is consistently between 70-85 degrees F. Do not plant into garden soil that is below 65 degrees F.

Growing Season - Matures quickly in 60-90 days. With proper pruning and care, a single plant can be harvested from throughout the entire summer growing season until the first frost.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Sow:

Indoors: For an earlier start, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date.

Outdoors: Direct sow seeds into the garden only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees F.

Starting Seeds Indoors:

Sow Depth: Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, in a quality seed-starting mix.

Light: Basil seeds benefit from light to germinate. You can press them gently onto the soil surface and cover with a very light dusting of soil.

Warmth: Keep the soil consistently warm, between 70-85 degrees F, for best germination. A heat mat can be very helpful. Sprouts should appear in 5-10 days.

Care: After germination, provide strong light from a grow light or sunny window. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

Transplanting Outdoors:

Harden Off: Before planting in the garden, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions for 5-7 days.

Timing: Transplant when seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves and nighttime temperatures are reliably above 50 degrees F.

Spacing: Space plants about 10-12 inches apart to give them room to bush out.

Growing Conditions:

Sunlight: Basil loves sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry weather. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and prevent disease.

Fertilizing: Basil is not a heavy feeder. Amending the soil with compost at planting time is often enough. If needed, you can use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength once or twice during the season.

Harvesting & Pruning for Best Growth:
This is the key to a great basil harvest!

First Pruning: Once your plant is about 6-8 inches tall and has several sets of leaves, make your first harvest. Snip the top of the main stem off, cutting just above a leaf node (where two leaves grow out from the stem).

Continuous Harvest: Continue to harvest your basil this way throughout the season. Always cut just above a pair of leaves. This encourages the plant to send out two new stems from that spot, resulting in a fuller, bushier plant with more leaves to harvest.

Pinch Off Flowers: Watch for the formation of flower buds at the top of the stems. Pinch these off immediately. This is called preventing "bolting" and it keeps the plant's energy focused on producing flavorful leaves, not seeds.