How to Grow Basil from Seed (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Today, we are going to talk about how to grow basil from seed! If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping out into your garden (or onto your patio) and snipping a few fresh basil leaves for dinner, you’re in the right place.
Growing basil from seed isn’t just possible — it’s downright easy once you know a few tips and tricks. And honestly? There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh basil in the garden. Let’s dive in and be sure to check out the video at the end of the post as I share some more tips and tricks in it.
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Why Grow Basil from Seed?
Sure, you can grab a basil plant at the store, but starting from seed gives you more plants for less money — and way more variety. Sweet basil, lemon basil, purple basil… when you start from seed, you can have it all.
Plus, watching those tiny seedlings pop up feels a little bit magical. Like, look what I grew!
When to Start Basil Seeds
Basil loves warm weather, so timing is key. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outdoors and the soil has warmed. If you’re starting indoors, sow your seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected frost date.
Quick tip:
If you plant too early and your basil gets chilly, it’ll sulk. (And nobody wants a grumpy basil plant.) But seriously, if it goes through a cold spell, though it may continue to grow, it won’t be as robust and could be more susceptible to pest attack from then on.
What You’ll Need
- Basil seeds (choose your favorite varieties!)
- Good quality potting soil (I don’t use seed starting mixes, no need)
- Small containers or seed trays
- A sunny windowsill or grow lights
- Water spray bottle or gentle watering can (I use a recycled fast food large cup)
How to Plant Basil Seeds
- Fill your containers with potting soil. It doesn’t need to start damp as many will claim. Press the soil in gently, you want it firm but not packed hard.
- Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil. Basil seeds are tiny, so just sprinkle them lightly. Then cover them with a very thin layer of soil — about 1/4 inch at most.
- Water gently to settle everything in. (Think rain, not hurricane.)
- Bottom Water as well by setting the pots into a tray of water to absorb it fully. (Remember we started with potting soil that was not wet) Bottom watering will ensure the moisture in the potting soil is even.
- Keep them warm — basil likes it cozy, around 70°F (21°C). If your house is cool, a heat mat under your seed tray can help.
- Light it up! As soon as the seeds sprout (usually in 5 to 10 days), they need lots of light. A bright windowsill will work, but grow lights give you the best, strongest plants.
Taking Care of Your Basil Babies
- Water carefully. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Think of it like a wrung-out sponge: damp, not dripping. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make: overwatering.
- Thin the seedlings once they have a couple sets of leaves. Give each plant about 6 inches of elbow room. I do this by pricking them out individually and giving them their own pots, I start with 4 inch pots and graduate up if I need to. Our Junes can be precocious and I may need to delay putting basil out in the garden. Most other folks can plant them out in the garden from the 4 inch pots.
- Pinch them early. Once your basil plants get about 4-6 sets of true leaves, pinch off the top set. It feels mean, but it makes the plant branch out and become lush instead of tall and spindly. (complete video on pinching plants)
Hardening Off
Before you move your seedlings outdoors for good, you’ll want to harden them off. This means gradually introducing them to outdoor life over a week or so. Start with an hour or two in a shady, sheltered spot, and work your way up to full days in the sun.
(Basil is a diva about sudden changes. A little pampering goes a long way.)
I am lazy about this, I have a spot between my greenhouse and house and it is rather sheltered. I place my plants there to harden off, and it works without me taking them in and out of the house. The spot gets maybe an hour of direct sun and is blocked from getting too much wind by the buildings.
How to Harden Off Seedlings
Planting in the Garden (or Pots)
Once the weather is warm and the soil is toasty, it’s time to plant!
- Choose a sunny spot — basil loves 6–8 hours of sunlight a day.
- Plant about 10–12 inches apart so they have room to grow.
- Mulch lightly to keep the soil moist and weeds down.
- Harvest often! Snipping leaves regularly keeps the plant producing more.
Bonus Tips for Happy Basil
- Water at the base, not on the leaves, to avoid fungal issues.
- Fertilize lightly if your soil isn’t rich. A little organic liquid fertilizer now and then makes basil very happy.
- Don’t let it flower (unless you want seeds later). Once basil blooms, it thinks its job is done, and the leaves can get bitter. Just pinch off any flower buds when you see them.
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My Parting Thoughts
Growing basil from seed is one of those small but mighty joys of gardening. Whether you have a big backyard or just a sunny windowsill, you can have more fresh basil than you know what to do with — and that’s a good problem to have. 🌿
So grab a packet of seeds, get planting, and prepare yourself for a summer full of pesto, caprese salads, and the sweet, spicy scent of homegrown success.
In my recipe, I share how I freeze plenty of pesto to bring a taste of summer to my winter meals!
Make Delicious Pesto!
Happy Basil Growing!
Hi, I’m Pamela
My goal is to cultivate the love of gardening and help make your gardening life more enjoyable!
