• Basil seeds are tiny, and should only be planted 1/4″ deep.
• Basil seeds germinate pretty quickly. On average, germination takes about 5-10 days.
• Basil seedlings growing indoors need a lot of light to keep them from getting too tall and leggy.
• Basil seedlings need consistently moist soil in order to grow their best. So always keep the soil damp, and never allow it to dry out completely. Once most of the seeds in a tray have germinated, then it’s time to give them some fresh air. This will prevent mold growth, and also help to strengthen the seedlings. Just be aware that once the lids are off, the soil will dry out much faster. So check the moisture level at least once per day to make sure it’s not getting too dry.

Basil is a popular, fragrant herb with a variety of culinary uses. There are actually over 100 varieties of basil that all have slightly different tastes basil plants grow easily indoors. Sufficient amounts of sun and water are the key ingredients in getting your basil to thrive no matter where you plant it. Basil needs nutrient-rich soil that is able to drain water easily in order to grow into a healthy plant. The container should offer sufficient drainage and can be made of clay, plastic, stone, or concrete. Look for drainage holes in the bottom regardless of the material. These are critical to ensure good drainage and a healthy plant. Be sure to use a tray underneath your pot to prevent water from coming out of the holes and leaking all over. A regular clay pot is a popular option, or seedling trays made of plastic. If you’re using small seedling trays, try to place about 3 seeds in each tray. If you’re using a larger pot, scatter 5-7 seeds on top of the soil, placing them evenly apart from one another. Aim for spreading the seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart from one another. Cover the seeds with a sprinkling of dry soil. You don’t need to add a thick layer, just enough to cover the seeds you’ve just planted—a layer of roughly 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). This will be just thick enough to protect the seeds while also helping them grow. Use a spray bottle filled with water to spray the soil with a little bit more moisture — especially the added top layer. If you don’t have a spray bottle, run your hands under a faucet or dip them in a cup of water and sprinkle the water over the soil using your fingers. Place the pot or container on top of a tray to catch any water that leaks out. You can place a piece of plastic over the container or pot to lock in moisture. Place the container in a sunny spot indoors. Basil thrives in full sun but needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to grow properly. The best spot to set up your basil plant would be near a well-lit, warm window.

Be careful if you’re setting the basil directly onto the windowsill. The glass window can cause the basil plant to become too warm or too cold more quickly than usual. If you are in the northern hemisphere, a south-facing window typically works best. If you don’t have a space in your house that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day, consider using a supplemental light source. Watch your basil seeds germinate after 5-10 days. The exact amount of time it takes for your seeds to sprout will depend on the amount of sunlight they get, the soil temperature, and the available moisture. Be patient and continue to keep the seeds moist and warm. Instead of pouring water directly onto the leaves and stem of the plant, pour water right at the soil line. This way, the roots are able to absorb water from the base, and you avoid dripping wet leaves. Thin your plants out once the seedlings have 2 pairs of leaves. The plants should be 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. You can either thin them out by snipping the basil off at soil level or by removing the basil by the root. Replant the removed seedling in another pot or in the same pot 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) away from any other seedling, if desired. Harvest your basil before it flowers. This gives you the freshest, biggest leaves to work with.

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