When to plant
Plant outdoors after all frost risk has passed and soil is above 18°C. Basil is extremely frost-sensitive — even a light frost kills it. In cool climates, start indoors 4 weeks before last frost and harden off carefully before transplanting.
Soil & site
Basil loves warm, well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost at planting. pH 6.0–7.0. Avoid clay-heavy soil which stays too wet — basil rots quickly in waterlogged conditions. In containers, use a quality potting mix with good drainage.
Feeding
Basil is a moderate feeder. A monthly dose of balanced liquid fertilizer (like fish emulsion) is plenty. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding which promotes fast leafy growth but reduces aromatic oil content — a less-fed basil often smells more strongly.
Common problems
Fusarium wilt (sudden wilting and brown streaks in stem — no cure, remove plant, don't replant basil in same spot). Aphids on new growth — blast off with water. Japanese beetles and slugs. Downy mildew (grey/purple fuzz on leaf undersides in humid weather — improve air circulation, avoid wetting leaves).
When to harvest
Basil is ready to harvest once the plant has 6–8 sets of leaves (about 15–20 cm tall). Harvest before the plant flowers — once it bolts, leaves become bitter and smaller. Check daily in summer heat as basil bolts quickly.
How to harvest
Always harvest by pinching or cutting just above a leaf node (where two leaves meet the stem). This encourages two new branches to grow from that point, doubling your plant. Never strip leaves from the bottom — always harvest from the top third. Remove any flower buds immediately to extend leaf production.
Storage & use
Fresh basil stored in the refrigerator turns black within hours. Instead, treat like flowers: trim stems and stand in a glass of water at room temperature. Lasts 5–7 days. For longer storage, blend into pesto and freeze in ice cube trays. Or dry at 35°C for 2–3 hours in a dehydrator.
Companion planting
Basil is a powerful friend to tomatoes — it repels pests and may improve yield.
Useful for growing basil
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More.
Growing Basil this season?
Sprout Together plans your beds, tracks planting and harvest timing for your area, and keeps every guide in your pocket — free.
Get it on the App Store