Growing Basil in Pots for a Continuous Summer Harvest

Succession Planting Is the Secret

Grocery-store basil plants often fizzle out quickly because they're grown for immediate use, not sustained production. For a steady supply all summer, plant new basil every three weeks from mid-April onward.

Seed vs. Transplants

• Transplants (nursery or grocery seedlings) yield harvestable leaves by mid-May.
• Direct-seeded basil isn't ready until June but costs less.

Smart Shopping Tip

Basil is often sold in 4-inch pots with multiple seedlings. Gently divide these clumps when small—you get several plants for the price of one. Try purple-leaf or curly-leaf varieties for ornamental appeal.