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Plant basil 2 weeks after the last spring frost. This flavorful herb is perfect for raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space basil according to label recommendations, usually 12 to 18 inches apart. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
How do you plant potted basil?
Gently place your basil into the planter and start filling in dirt around it. Make sure the plants first leaves are level with the top of the pot and that it’s not sitting too far down into the planter. Give your plant some water and allow it to adjust to its new home.
Does basil need full sun?
1. Choose a location with plenty of sunlight. Basil thrives in warm temperatures and full morning sun. If you live in an area with scorching midday sun, try to give your basil light shade during the hottest time of day.
Where is the best place to plant basil?
Basil is a tropical herb, and plants need sun and heat to thrive. Give it a spot that receives six to eight hours of sun daily, except in the South and Southwest, where afternoon shade is a must. Basil needs moist, nutrient-rich soil that drains well.
Why does my basil plant keep dying?
Soil that’s too dry or too wet is the most common reason for a basil plant wilting. Although basil plants thrive in full sunlight, they also need consistently moist, high quality soil with good drainage. If your basil plant is drooping or wilting, check the soil and reconsider your basil watering schedule.
How do you fertilize basil?
Fertilizing Basil Apply it when you would normally water the plant. If you choose a granular type fertilizer, choose a balanced one with equal amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphate. 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formulas work well for fertilizing basil. Scatter the granules around the plant and water them in well.
Can you plant basil in potting soil?
You can grow basil in almost anything. However, basil is prone to fungus, so keeping airflow between plants is important. Make sure your pot has plenty of drainage and that you use high-quality potting mix. Basil doesn’t like to be too wet, so keep your soil moist, not soggy.
Should you pick basil leaves from the top or bottom of the plant?
Harvesting Larger Amounts: Harvest the leaves from the top down, cutting back up to a third of the total plant height. Be sure to cut or pinch right above a leaf pair rather than leaving a stub. In a few weeks, your basil plants will be ready to harvest again.
Does basil regrow after cutting?
When you clip basil stems back to a fresh set of leaves, you force those leaves to grow, doubling the basil produced on that stem. And as those stems grow, you can pinch them back and double their production – it’s exponential! To remove flowers. Eventually most basil plants produce flowers.
Which leaves of basil should I pick?
How to pick basil leaves? Pick off the tips of each stem – just above a pair of leaves, new shoots will grow from each stem creating a fuller plant. (Picking stems from the base of the plant will encourage tall, lanky plants.)Mar 12, 2019.
Can I plant my basil plant outside?
Keep basil plants indoors until all danger of frost has passed, then harden them off to gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions. Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered planting site with well-drained soil, or a container filled with multi-purpose compost.
What month should I plant basil?
Basil is not the least bit finicky, and with proper planting, care and harvesting, you can enjoy it all summer long! When to plant basil – The earliest time to plant basil is about 2 weeks after the last frost, once the soil is between 50° – 70° F – the warmer the better. It can also be planted during summer.
How long will a basil plant live?
Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost. Before the weather turns, take steps to preserve your plant for the next year.
Can you overwater basil?
Watering a Basil Plant While considered an annual, you can grow basil in a container and bring it indoors for longer production. New and established plants require consistent moisture but cannot be left soggy. It is a fine line that cannot be crossed because overwatering will cause the plant stems to mildew and rot.
What is the best fertilizer for basil?
Basil will thrive best with a 10-10-10 grade fertilizer able to provide a balance of nutrients with a relatively light (and, in my opinion, safer) concentration of nutrients This will improve the size and flavor of your basil leaves!.
How do you care for a basil plant indoors?
Basil growing indoors requires at least six hours of sunlight. Basil plants should be placed in a sunny window, preferably facing south. Otherwise, these potted plants may need to be grown under fluorescent lights. With this type of lighting, basil plants will need about 10 hours of light for healthy growth.
How do you revive a dying basil plant?
Water your Basil plant thoroughly to help revive it. Place it in bright, indirect light rather than in full sun and water your plant every time the surface of the soil feels dry to touch. Once the plant has perked up and new foliage is growing, you can place your plant back in direct sunlight and resume normal care.
