Growing Basil: Site, Watering and Harvesting

The right site

Basil loves warmth, sunshine, and sheltered spots. Cold nights, wind, and constantly wet soil weaken the plants quickly. Basil grows especially well near warm walls, on sunny balconies, or in greenhouses.

• choose a sunny to bright location
• protect plants from cold wind
• use loose, well-drained soil
• avoid waterlogging

Sowing and planting basil

Basil can be started indoors from March or sown later into pots and planters. Seeds germinate best in steady warmth.

1. 1

   Prepare the container

   Fill pots or trays with loose herb or seed-starting mix.

2. 2

   Scatter the seeds

   Spread seeds thinly on the surface and press them down lightly.

3. 3

   Keep moist

   Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet.

4. 4

   Place in warmth

   Put the sowing container in a bright and warm position.

5. 5

   Transplant young plants

   Move strong seedlings into larger containers or beds with enough spacing.

Watering basil correctly

Basil needs even moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Container plants in particular can dry out quickly on hot summer days.

• water regularly and moderately
• never let the soil dry out completely
• remove excess water from saucers
• water in the morning when possible

Growing basil in containers

Basil is very suitable for pots and balcony boxes. Enough space, loose soil, and good drainage are especially important.

• use pots with drainage holes
• avoid overcrowding several plants
• check soil moisture regularly
• feed lightly during strong growth

Companion planting and good neighbors

Basil is often grown together with tomatoes. Both plants enjoy similar conditions: warmth, sunshine, and steady moisture.

• pairs well with tomatoes
• works well with oregano in herb containers
• thyme usually prefers slightly drier conditions
• leave enough airflow between plants

How to harvest basil

Regular harvesting keeps basil bushy and encourages new shoots. Instead of picking single leaves, cut whole shoot tips.

1. 1

   Choose healthy shoots

   Select strong shoots with several leaf pairs.

2. 2

   Cut above a leaf pair

   Trim the shoot tip just above a branching point.

3. 3

   Harvest regularly

   Take smaller amounts often rather than large amounts rarely.

4. 4

   Remove flower buds early

   Pinch out flower buds so the plant keeps producing leaves longer.

Delaying flowering

Once basil starts flowering, it puts more energy into blooms and seeds instead of new leaves. Regular harvesting and removing flower buds helps extend leaf production.

• remove flower buds early
• trim shoot tips regularly
• do not let plants dry out
• avoid stress from cold weather

Common mistakes to avoid

• placing basil outdoors too early
• allowing waterlogging in pots
• picking only single leaves
• letting plants become overcrowded
• underestimating cold drafts

Frequently asked questions