How to Grow Basil from Seed: Complete Garden Bed Guide

Seed-to-Harvest in the Garden

Mint relative with mild spice. Annual—replant yearly, but easy from seed. Green, red, purple varieties. Start outdoors 2 weeks post-frost.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Bed Prep

Well-drained, full sun. 3-inch mature compost, tilled 10 inches deep (spade/hoe/tiller).

Step 2: Sow

Surface sow, cover ¼ inch. 2–3 seeds/hole, 12-inch spacing.

Step 3: Moisture to Germination

Mist evenly moist. Keep moist, not soggy, until sprouts.

Step 4: Thin

At 2nd true leaf set, thin to 1 per 12 inches. Pinch weak at soil line.

Step 5: Establish Care

Weekly water (1 inch/plant). At 5 inches, mulch 1–2 inches bark/wood—preserves moisture, blocks weeds.

Step 6: Pinch for Bushiness

At 6–8 inches, pinch stem tips. Repeat every 3–4 weeks all season.

Step 7: Harvest

Cut outer leaves as needed. Use fresh or dry. Leave foliage to regrow.

Direct-sown basil rewards with months of aromatic harvest.