How To Grow Basil From Seed

If you start your basil from seed you get get hundreds of plants from a single seed packet. Grow more basil by learning to how to grow basil plants from seed.

Starting herbs from seeds has always intimidated me for some reason. It is probably because most herbs, like rosemary and lavender, are difficult to grow from seed.

After years of buying basil plants I finally decided to start them from seed. I mean, how hard could they be compared to tomato plants?

Turns out.. starting basil seeds is just as simple as growing tomatoes! Here is my process for starting all my basil plants from seed.

Start with good soil

Good soil is the most important element of growing seedlings. That is why I mix my own potting soil.

You can get my potting soil recipe here. This recipe has helped me grow the best seedlings I have ever grown, and I mix a new batch every spring.

This potting soil is great for basil plants because it is full of nutrients and it is well draining.

Choose Your Seeds

I personally like to grow good old basil Genovese. This basil is great for making pesto, drying, or eating fresh.

Most green basils are easy to grow, but I have found purple basil to be very slow growing. I attribute this to the lack of chlorophyll in it's leaves.

If you want an easy to grow basil, choose a green leaved variety.

Start Your Basil Early

Basil is slow to start growing, and it is slow to germinate. If you can get your basil plants past the early growth stage they will take off and give you large harvests.

I start my basil seeds when I start my tomato plants. This is about 8 weeks before our last frost of the season. You can even start them a bit early if you really want a head start.

Do Basil Seeds Need a Heat Mat

I have started basil seeds with and without a heat mat. I do believe that germination rates for basil is higher when you use a heat mat but it is not necessary.

If you do choose to use a heat mat read this post about using a heat mat properly.

Planting Basil Seeds Indoors

You now have your seeds, soil, and maybe a heat mat. The next thing you need is seed starting pots like these.

I start by filling these pots ¾th of the way with moistened potting soil. I then sprinkle a layer of the black basil seeds on top of the soil.

I cover the seeds with a thin layer of more moistened potting mix. They don't need to be planted very deep, a ¼ of an inch deep will do the trick. Now on to watering.

How to water basil seedlings

The first few times I water my basil seedlings I use a spray bottle. This keeps the seeds from shifting in the soil too much, or from washing away completely.

Once the soil settles, you can use a watering can to lightly water the soil. While you are waiting for the seeds to emerge keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.

Caring For Basil Seedlings Once they sprout

Patience is key when growing basil seedlings. I have found that they take 10-14 days before they pop out of the soil!

Before they sprout you may doubt that they will ever come up. Be patient, keep them moist, and they should eventually emerge.

After they sprout, start watering the soil once the top layer starts to dry. You don't want to over water and cause damping off.

Like I said earlier, basil is slow at first, so your seedlings will have their seed leaves for awhile before the true leaves come in.

Potting up Basil Seedlings

Potting up is when you replant seedlings into a larger pot. This is very important for your plant's health.

I wait until my seedlings have started growing their true leaves before I pot them up. Once they get a set or two of true leaves move them into a 3-4 inch pot.

They can grow in this larger pot for 3-4 weeks before they are finally put into the soil or a container.

How Many Plants Should Be In Pot

Some stores sell single basil plants, but I have found that this is a very bad way to grow basil. Basil does best when planted in groupings.

I learned this by visiting a local greenhouse before I started growing my own basil from seed. They sold 10-20 basil plants in a single pot.

When I planted basil from this greenhouse it did so much better and had higher yields. That is why I recommend sowing multiple seeds in a pot.

They will grow up together and make a forest of basil plants! Trust me, planting lots of basil plants leads to healthier plants, higher yields, and just a better use of space.

Planting Basil Outdoors

Plant your basil outside after all threat of frost has passed and it should flourish. When you grow basil from seed you get so many plants!

While a basil plant in the store might cost 3-5 dollars a basil seed packet is only 2-3 dollars and you get hundreds of plants!

I now have basil plants all over my garden. Basil is great herb to plant next to tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage.

Harvesting Basil and saving seeds

Once your basil enough leaves you can start harvesting and enjoying fresh basil! Basil is my favorite herb, and I think I could eat pesto every single day.

I recommend allowing some of your basil plants to flower. You can then save seeds from these plants to grow more basil next year!