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Fill with sterile seed starting medium. Sow 2-3 basil seeds per cell or pot, planting them 1/4″ deep and firming the soil well over top. Keep the trays or pots warm (between 75°F and 85°F) and moist until germination—which should happen in about 5-7 days in ideal conditions.
How long does it take to grow a basil plant from seed?
How long does it take for basil to grow from seed? Basil germinates in 7 to 10 days after planting. It’s usually ready for harvest within three to four weeks.
Should I soak basil seeds before planting?
It’s not necessary to soak basil seeds before planting. Sprinkle the basil seeds over the surface of the medium, spacing them about 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch apart. Cover the seeds with about 1/8 inch of the germinating medium.
How do you plant basil seeds outside?
Either option is very easy to do when growing basil outdoors. If you choose growing basil seeds, scatter the seeds over the location that you have chosen and lightly cover with dirt. If you choose growing basil plants, dig a small hole, tease out the root ball some, and plant the basil plant in the ground.
When should I plant basil seeds?
Basil should be grown in a place that gets sunshine at least six to eight hours per day. The soil should be well-drained with a pH of 6-7.5. You might wonder, “When do I plant basil seeds?” Basically, the best time to plant basil seeds is when all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
How many basil seeds are in a hole?
How many basil seeds should I plant per hole? If you’re using brand new seeds, then you can just plant one per hole, seed cell, or pellet. If the seeds are old, or have a low viability rate, then plant 2-3 seeds per hole, and thin out the weakest once they’re 3-4″ tall.
How often should I water basil seeds?
If you’ve recently planted basil, you should water the seedlings every two days, or even daily, if the temperatures are very hot and you find that the soil dries out too quickly.
How many seeds do you plant per hole?
Don’t exceed three seeds per hole. If more than one germinates, snip off extras at the soil line also. This prevents disturbance of the seedling roots on the one you’ll continue growing out when thinning. Don’t add more than one large seed to a hole.
Is basil hard to grow from seed?
Basil is a very easy crop to grow from seed for summer harvests. Basil seeds germinate slowly, a bit faster when heated from below, and basil enjoys hot weather and full sun.
What is the best way to grow basil?
Basil will grow best in a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily, though it can perform well in partial sun, too. Soil should be moist but well-drained. Basil works great in containers or raised beds, as these allow for better drainage.
Can you direct sow basil seeds?
Basil grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Direct sow 2 seeds every 12″, thinning to one when seedlings are 2″ tall. If you are growing basil in a container, use a fairly large one to accommodate their fast growing roots.
How do I start basil?
Fill with sterile seed starting medium. Sow 2-3 basil seeds per cell or pot, planting them 1/4″ deep and firming the soil well over top. Keep the trays or pots warm (between 75°F and 85°F) and moist until germination—which should happen in about 5-7 days in ideal conditions.
How long does basil plant last?
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.
Does basil come back every year?
As previously mentioned, basil is an annual in most cases. You can try to keep basil through the winter. However, sweet basil is meant to live its life cycle within one year and thereafter go to seed. At the end of the season, though, you can try to keep it alive by moving potted basil indoors.
What happens if you plant seeds too close together?
Plants that grow too close to each other compete for the same sunlight, water and soil nutrients. The first effect seen is competition for light. Overcrowded plants begin to grow upward to receive light, rather than developing a fuller, bushier silhouette.
What happens if you put too many seeds in a hole?
You should perform a germination test to what percent of the seeds sprout. If half of the ones you sow sprout. Then you plant multiple seeds into a hole. Generally if you plant multiple seeds into a hole, if both plants grow out you will have to cut, kill or transplant the secondary (usually weaker) plant.
How big should basil seedlings be before transplanting?
Wait until your basil seedlings are at least 3 inches tall before transplantation. Basil seedlings should have two sets of true leaves, so don’t rely entirely upon the height of your plants.
Can basil get too much sun?
Basil Sun Requirements Full-sun conditions may lead to leaf scorch on seedlings, which causes discoloration and a droopy effect, especially along the edges of the leaves. Anything less than full sun for mature basil plants has the same effect, sans discoloration.
Why do my basil plants 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.
