Growing Basil: Direct Sow, Indoor Start, and Container Methods

Basil Basics

Rich, spicy flavor for countless dishes. Annual, easy indoors or out, minimal care for maximum reward. Three reliable approaches.

Direct Sow in Garden

Step 1: Make a Row

Hoe a ½-inch trench.

Step 2: Sow and Cover

Seeds ~3 inches apart, cover ⅛–¼ inch.

Step 3: Thin

At 2-inch seedlings, thin to 12-inch spacing.

Step 4: Harvest and Prune

Pick leaves once lower 4 established. Prune often, leaving lower 4–6 leaves to force growth.

Start Indoors for Transplants

Step 1: Mix Medium

3 parts potting soil, 1 part sand.

Step 2: Fill Peat Pots

One per plant.

Step 3: Pre-Moisten

Soak thoroughly.

Step 4: Sow

2 seeds/pot on wet soil, barely cover.

Step 5: Cover for Germination

Plastic wrap until seedlings show.

Step 6: Maintain Moisture

Keep soil moist to touch.

Step 7: Transplant

At 3–5 inches, move to garden or 1-gallon pots.

Direct, indoor-start, or container—basil adapts to your space and season.