Basil
Ocimum basilicum
An aromatic herb essential in kitchens worldwide. Basil grows quickly, tastes wonderful fresh, and is perfect for containers or garden beds.
easy
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
Regular — keep soil moist but not waterlogged
50-75 days to harvest
How to Grow
Start seeds indoors or sow directly after frost danger has passed. Plant in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Pinch off flower buds to encourage bushy growth and prolong harvest. Harvest leaves from the top down.
Growth Phases
Germination (5-7 days)
Seeds sprout tiny green shoots
Seedling (2-3 weeks)
First true leaves appear with distinct aroma
Vegetative (3-4 weeks)
Plant bushes out with many leaf sets
Harvest (Ongoing)
Leaves are large enough to continuously pick
Care Tips
- •Pinch off flowers to prolong leaf production
- •Harvest from the top down
- •Bring indoors before first frost
- •Grows well in pots
Companion Plants
Community Interest
Real-time — updates when others show interest