Basil

Basil prefers warm, well-drained soil around pH 6.0-7.0 with modest amounts of compost. Feed lightly, especially in containers, and pinch growing tips regularly to encourage leafy branches instead of flowers.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Spacing

10 in

First harvest

30–60 days

Tips

• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or transplant after nights consistently stay above 50°F, spacing plants 10-12 inches apart.
• Water when the surface begins to dry, keeping the root zone moist but never soggy.
• Pinch stems just above a pair of leaves and remove flower buds promptly.
• Leave space for airflow and remove plants with yellowing leaves and gray-purple growth underneath, signs of downy mildew.
• Harvest leafy stem tips regularly, leaving several healthy leaf pairs on each plant.

Hear about it on the show