How to Grow Basil Indoors: A Complete Guide

Growing basil indoors provides fresh herbs year-round, regardless of climate or outdoor space. Let’s explore how to grow and maintain indoor basil successfully.

Getting Started

Choosing Your Basil Variety

If you’re wondering “Can you grow basil indoors?”, the answer is yes! Before you begin, decide which type of basil you want to grow. Each variety has its unique flavor profile and culinary uses. Some popular options include:

• Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum): this is the most common variety for cooking, with a classic flavor perfect for Italian dishes, pesto, and Caprese salads.
• Genovese basil: a type of sweet basil with larger leaves, it’s ideal for making traditional pesto and is a staple in Italian cuisine.
• Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora): with a distinct anise-licorice flavor, it’s commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking, particularly in Thai and Vietnamese dishes.
• Purple basil: this variety adds beautiful color to your indoor garden and has a slightly spicy flavor with hints of clove. It’s great for adding visual interest to salads and garnishes.
• Lemon basil (Ocimum × citriodorum): as the name suggests, it has a citrusy aroma and flavor, making it perfect for seafood dishes, salad dressings, and teas.
• Cinnamon basil: this variety has a spicy, cinnamon-like flavor and aroma, making it a unique choice for both savory dishes and sweet applications like fruit salads or baked goods.
• Greek basil (Ocimum minimum): a compact variety with small leaves, it has a strong, spicy flavor and is excellent for growing in small containers.
• Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum): also known as Tulsi, this variety is revered in Ayurvedic medicine and has a peppery, clove-like taste. It’s often used in teas and herbal remedies.

When selecting a variety, consider your culinary preferences and the amount of space you have available. Some varieties, like Greek basil, are more compact and suitable for smaller indoor spaces, while others, like sweet basil, can grow quite large if given enough room. 

Materials Needed

To grow basil at home, you’ll need:

1. Basil seeds or seedlings: choose high-quality seeds or healthy seedlings from a reputable nursery. If using seeds, make sure they’re fresh for better germination rates.
2. Well-draining potting soil: use a lightweight, organic potting mix designed for herbs. Avoid heavy garden soil as it can become compacted in containers.
3. Containers with drainage holes: select pots that are 6-8 inches deep and wide. Ensure they have adequate drainage holes to prevent water-logging. Terra cotta pots are excellent for basil as they allow soil to breathe.
4. Sunny window or grow lights: Basil needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you don’t have a sunny spot, invest in full-spectrum LED grow lights to ensure your plants get enough light.
5. Water: use room temperature water. If possible, use filtered or rainwater as basil can be sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals in tap water.
6. Fertilizer (optional): a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can help promote healthy growth. Look for organic options specifically formulated for herbs.
7. Scissors or pruning shears: clean, sharp tools are essential for harvesting and pruning your basil plants.
8. Spray bottle: useful for misting leaves to increase humidity and for gentle watering of seedlings.
9. Pebbles or small stones: these can be used to create a humidity tray beneath your basil pots.
10. Labels: if you’re growing multiple varieties, use plant labels to keep track of each type.
11. Seed starting trays (if starting from seed): these can help with germination and make it easier to manage multiple seedlings.
12. Heat mat (optional): this can help maintain a warm soil temperature for faster seed germination.

How to Plant Basil Indoors

From Seeds

Growing basil from seed is a rewarding process. When you plant basil seeds, you have control over the entire growth cycle from the very beginning.

• Prepare your container: choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with moistened potting soil. Leave about an inch of space at the top.
• Plant basil seeds: sprinkle seeds evenly over the soil surface, aiming for about 3-4 seeds per small pot or every 2 inches in a larger container. Gently press the seeds into the soil, then cover with a thin layer (about 1/4 inch) of potting mix.
• Water carefully: use a spray bottle or a small watering can with a fine rose to water the soil gently. Avoid disturbing the seeds.
• Create a greenhouse effect: cover the container with plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome to maintain humidity. This helps with germination.
• Provide warmth: place the container in a warm spot. Basil seeds germinate best at temperatures between 70-80°F. Using a seedling heat mat can help maintain consistent warmth.
• Monitor moisture: check daily and mix with water if the soil surface looks dry. The soil should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Watch for sprouts: seeds should sprout basil in 5-10 days. Once you see sprouts, remove the plastic covering.
• Provide light: as soon as sprouts appear, move the container to a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Basil seedlings need 14-16 hours of light per day.
• Thin seedlings: when seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves (the second set of leaves to appear), thin them out. Keep the strongest seedlings, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Snip extra seedlings at the soil level with scissors.
• Maintain care: continue to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light as your basil plants grow.

By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to successfully start basil from seeds indoors. 

From Seedlings

If you’ve purchased a basil plant from a store and want to give it a new home, follow these steps to successfully transplant it:

1. Choose the right pot: select a container that’s about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This gives the roots room to grow without overwhelming the plant.
2. Prepare the new home: fill the new pot about one-third full with high-quality potting soil. Ensure the soil is loose and well-draining to promote healthy root growth.
3. Remove the basil carefully: gently squeeze the sides of the original container to loosen the soil. Tilt the pot and support the plant’s base with your hand. Slowly slide the basil out, taking care not to damage the roots.
4. Inspect and position: check the roots for any signs of damage or disease. If the roots are tightly bound, gently loosen them with your fingers. Place the basil in the center of the new pot, making sure it sits at the same depth as in its original container.
5. Fill and settle: add more potting soil around the plant, filling to about an inch below the pot’s rim. Lightly press the soil to remove air pockets, but avoid compacting it too much.
6. Water thoroughly: give your newly transplanted basil a good drink. Water until you see it draining from the bottom of the pot. This helps settle the soil and ensures the roots make good contact with their new environment.
7. Provide aftercare: place the pot in a spot with plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged in the days following transplantation. Watch for any signs of transplant shock, such as wilting, and provide extra care if needed.

By following these steps, you’ll give your store-bought basil plant the best chance to thrive in its new home.

Caring for Your Indoor Basil Plants

Light Requirements 

• Aim for 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• South-facing windows are ideal for natural light.
• If using a grow light, keep it on for 14-16 hours a day.
• LED grow lights are energy-efficient and effective for basil.
• Rotate your plant regularly to ensure even growth.

Watering 

1. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
2. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
3. Water at the base of the plant, not from above.
4. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
5. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
6. In warmer months, you may need to water more frequently.

Temperature and Humidity 

• Ideal temperature range: 65-75°F
• Avoid placing basil near drafty windows or air conditioning vents.
• Maintain humidity by misting or using a pebble tray.
• Group plants together to create a microclimate with higher humidity.
• Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments.

Fertilizing 

1. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
2. Dilute to half strength to avoid over-fertilizing.
3. Organic options include compost tea or fish emulsion.
4. Fertilize more frequently (every 2-3 weeks) during active growing seasons.
5. Reduce fertilization in winter when growth naturally slows.

Pruning and Harvesting

• Initial pruning: зinch off the top sets of leaves when the plant reaches 6-8 inches tall. This promotes branching and a fuller shape.
• Ongoing maintenance:
  • Harvest leaves regularly, taking no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time.
  • Focus on removing leaves from the top of the plant to encourage growth.
  • Prune stems just above a leaf intersection (node) to stimulate new growth.
• Flower management:
  • Remove any flower buds to keep the plant focused on leaf production.
  • If flowers do develop, pinch them off promptly to maintain flavor in the leaves.
• Tools and technique:
  • Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
  • Sterilize pruning tools with rubbing alcohol between plants to prevent disease spread.
• Harvesting tips:
  • Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
  • Pick leaves from the top down, leaving the larger bottom leaves to support the plant.
• Storage:
  • Use fresh basil immediately for the best flavor.
  • For short-term storage, place stems in water like a bouquet and keep them at room temperature.
  • To preserve, freeze whole leaves or make pesto and freeze them in ice cube trays.
• Rejuvenation pruning:
  • If the plant becomes leggy, cut it back by up to 2/3 of its height to encourage fresh growth.
  • Do this in late spring or early summer to give the plant time to recover.
• Winter care:
  • In colder climates, take cuttings in late summer to grow indoors during winter.
  • Reduce pruning frequency during winter months when growth naturally slows.
• Pruning for propagation:
  • When pruning, save 4-inch stem cuttings to root in water or moist soil for new plants.

Common problems with growing basil indoors

Growing basil can sometimes present challenges, but most issues are easily resolved with proper care. The following table outlines common problems you might encounter when cultivating basil, along with their potential causes and practical solutions. Use this guide to quickly identify and address issues, ensuring your basil plants remain healthy and productive.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Yellow leaves	Overwatering or insufficient light	Reduce watering, increase light exposure
Wilting	Underwatering or drought	Increase watering frequency, check drainage
Slow growth	Insufficient nutrition or light	Fertilize the plant, provide more light
Brown spots on leaves	Fungal disease	Improve air circulation, avoid wetting leaves
Leggy stems	Insufficient light	Move the plant closer to a light source or use supplemental lighting
Leaf drop	Transplant shock or sudden change in conditions	Ensure stable conditions, avoid sudden changes

Keep an eye out for common basil pests:

1. Inspect regularly for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
2. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for organic pest control.
3. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs for natural pest management.
4. Isolate new plants before introducing them to your basil collection.

How to Use Fresh Basil in Recipes

Fresh basil is a versatile herb and an Italian kitchen staple that is ideal for adding to pasta sauces, pizza, and the classic caprese salad. To preserve its delicate flavor, add basil at the end of cooking or use it raw in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. For a more intense flavor, try making a pesto by mixing basil leaves with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Basil goes well with tomatoes, making it a great addition to bruschetta or tomato soups.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – basil can add a fresh touch to fruit salads, cocktails, or even desserts such as basil ice cream.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to successfully growing basil at home. By growing basil in pots or planters, you will have a thriving herb garden right in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions