How to Grow Basil Indoors from the Seed

Growing a Basil Plant from a Seed in Your Own home

Basil is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. It has a strong, pungent flavor that goes well with many foods. basil is also very easy to grow, even for beginners. With a little time and effort, you can have a healthy basil plant that will provide you with an abundance of fresh basil leaves to use in your cooking.

This article will explain how to grow a basil plant indoors from the seed, for beginners. It will also give you some tips on how to care for your plant to ensure that it stays healthy and produces a good yield of basil leaves.

close up photo of basil on white background
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How to Grow Basil from the Seed: In 4 Easy Steps

  • Here is what you need to get started You need to fill your pot with potting soil. The soil should be light and free draining and should contain organic matter to provide the best environment for your basil seedlings.
    • Be sure to read the instructions and follow the recommended amounts for each pot size when purchasing potting soil.
    • You also need to make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain away from the roots.
    • Once your pot is ready, you can start sowing the basil seeds. Sow two or three basil seeds per pot and sprinkle a thin layer of potting soil on top.
    • Use your finger to gently press them down into the soil.
    • Water the seeds lightly with a spray bottle or a watering can. Keep the soil lightly moist for the next few weeks until the seeds germinate, and the seedlings appear. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, thin them out to one plant per pot.
  • Water your plant regularly When it comes to watering your basil plant, you don’t want to be too heavy-handed. Basil is a delicate herb, and it doesn’t like to sit in overly wet soil. Water the soil around the base of the plant until it is damp, but not saturated. Be sure to check the soil moisture level regularly, as the water needs will vary depending on the climate and the season. In the hottest months, you may need to water your plant more often. To ensure your basil plant receives all the nutrients it needs, you can also give it a balanced liquid fertilizer twice a month. A diluted mixture of liquid fertilizer will provide it with the proper nutrients it needs to thrive.
  • Determine how much light your plant needs Basil loves lots of light and tends to do best in full sun. If you’re growing your basil indoors, you’ll need to give it at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Place your pot by the windowsill or use a grow light to provide it with the right amount of light. You can also rotate your pot every few days to help it maintain its form. This gives all parts of the plant equal exposure to the light and helps prevent it from leaning toward the light source.
  • Harvest your Basil Once your basil plant has grown to a good size, you can start harvesting the leaves. Begin by snipping the individual leaves off the stem and using them in your cooking. Once the stems are devoid of leaves, you can prune the plant back to encourage new growth.
green plant on a brown pot

And there you have it! That’s how to grow a basil plant indoors from the seed for beginners. By following these steps, you’ll be sure to have a healthy, robust basil plant in no time. Just remember to be patient, as it can take several weeks for your plant to fully mature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Basil Plants

1

How I know when it’s time to water my basil plant?

A sign your basil may need water is if the leaves are droopy, crunchy, or even brown. If the soil is still wet or moist you probably don’t need to water your herb just yet.

2

How do I know if my basil plant has been overwatered?

If the basil leaves start to turn yellow that means it is being over watered.

3

How do I continue to keep my basil healthy?

Your basil plant will grow more abundantly if the leaves are regularly being trimmed or pinched.  

Want to Learn How to Grow Basil from a Store-Bought Plant?

What if you could grow basil indoors? Is basil your favorite herb to cook with and do you want to learn how to grow it from a store-bought plant? If so, learn how to grow basil indoors with this guide for beginner gardeners!

close up photo of plant on pot
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