Basil, one of the most popular and familiar herbs in North America, is surprisingly easy to grow.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you can save money and enjoy this lovely herb with ease. With many kinds of Basil available, all can be grown using these simple methods. While Basil does have a few idiosyncrasies, its overall growing process is straightforward, making it a great addition to any garden.
In this blog we will explore where Basil comes from, where to grow Basil, how to water & fertilize Basil, and common Basil problems.
What is Basil?
Where Basil Comes From
Basil is native to the tropics on the continents of Africa, India, and Asia. In Egypt, it was used for embalming mummies and in India, it was used in traditional medicines.
There are between 50 and 150 different varieties of Basil, including the Common Sweet Basil we are so familiar with, Green Basil, Lemon Basil, Camphor Basil, Clover Basil, Thai Basil, Holy Basil used in Hindu worship, and Cinnamon Basil from Mexico.
With its classic square stems, Basil is a part of the mint family. In the kitchen, Basil is added singly or as part of a herb combo for flavouring.
Uses for Basil
When you brush against Basil in the garden or rub its leaves, Basil releases its sharp, sweet, heavenly fragrance.
Basil is not just a herb; it’s a versatile ingredient that can be infused in oils, added to salads, or brewed into a refreshing tea.
It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with Vitamin A, C, & K, folate, magnesium, manganese, and copper. But its uses don’t stop there. Basil is also used medicinally to aid with digestive issues and as an additive to a warm, invigorating bath. Its uses are as diverse as its varieties, inspiring creativity in the kitchen and beyond.
Growing Basil
What Temperature Does Basil Need to Grow?
Originating from the tropics, Basil is a herb that craves warmth. The optimal temperature range for growing basil is between 18-29°C (65-85°F).
It’s sensitive to the cold and thrives in a toasty warm environment, with at least 6-8 hours of sunshine a day.
Understanding and providing these optimal conditions is key to successful Basil cultivation, ensuring your plant’s health and productivity. The more you know about Basil’s needs, the better prepared you’ll be for a successful growing experience.
Can Basil be Planted Outside?
Yes, Basil can be planted outside, but because of its necessity for warmth, Basil grows best in pots or raised beds.
In central Alberta, wait until the middle of June to plant Basil in the ground or in a raised bed.
It’s probably ok to leave Basil pots outside by the middle of June, but always check the overnight lows in June, just in case it gets close to freezing. If it looks like the temperature will dip below 10 °C / 50°F, bring the Basil pots inside and cover any planted Basil. You should also bring potted Basil indoors if there is a prolonged string of wet, cool weather.
How to Plant Basil
Grow Basil in a pot with a minimum diameter of 30 cm / 12″). My experience is that Basil grows best in a pot all by itself.
Basil grows to become a large plant, 45-60 cm (18-24″) tall, and most of the time it either just doesn’t love the company of other flowers or herbs or it competes with it. Sometimes the Basil wins and sometimes it doesn’t. Planting Basil alone has been the most successful for me.
When growing Basil in a raised bed or an in-ground garden, make sure to give Basil its space. Since a lot of plants grow the same width as their height, give Basil a perimeter of 24-30 cm / 9-12″ on each side.
If you are planting more than one Basil plant, and who wouldn’t since they freeze well and dry well, space the plants 45-60 cm (18-24″) apart.
Soil and Water Requirements for Basil
No matter where you choose to grow Basil, make sure that the soil is fertile, full of organic matter, and that it drains well. Basil does not like to grow in soggy, wet soil.
If its roots are cold and damp for too long, the leaves will wilt and turn yellow, the leaf tips will become brown, and, eventually, the whole leaf will turn black.
How to Check if Your Basil Needs Water
Whether the Basil plant is growing in the ground or in a pot, always check the soil around the Basil plant before watering to see that it has dried down and needs to be watered.
Stick your index finger into the soil to your 2nd knuckle and if the soil is dry that deep down, it’s time to give your Basil plant a drink of water.
Water Basil at the base of the plant, avoid spraying water all over the leaves. Damp leaves can encourage fungal diseases.
Fertilizer for Basil Plants
Fertilize Basil weekly with a well balanced fertilizer. Nature’s Source 10-4-3, 20-20-20, and 15-30-15 are formulations that work well for Basil, but there are many other organic options on the market. Pick the one that works best for you and follow the package directions for dilution instructions.
Related: How to Understand Fertilizer Labels
Harvesting and Deadheading Basil
Harvest Basil leaves by pinching or cutting back the stems at the leaf nodes.
A leaf node is where the leaves emerge from the stem. In Basil plants, two leaves emerge opposite each other on the stem.
Pinching just above this node allows the leaves at the node to develop and enables the plant to grow more stems at this point.
You can also reshape Basil by selectively pinching back nodes at various heights.
To keep Basil growing, don’t let the Basil plant bloom.
Pinch back the bud stems down to where the first flowers appear on the stem. It’s better to pinch the plant back at the bud stage to prevent the Basil plant from wasting energy on blooming.
Common Basil Problems & How to Avoid Them
Most Basil growing difficulties occur from the plant being too wet and or too cold. If a Basil plant is kept healthy in a warm place, evenly moist, and is regularly fertilized, it will have few problems.
Downy mildew and root rot become problematic for Basil when the roots get too wet. Once these two things have set in, it’s hard to recover the plant.
How to avoid Basil growing problems:
- Check the soil before watering.
- Reduce frequency of watering.
- Water at the base of the plant, not all over the leaves.
- Avoid watering at night.
- Grow Basil in a warm place.
- Protect Basil plants from the cold – cover it or move it indoors when the temperatures get below 10 °C / 50°F
In Conclusion
I hope that this blog helps to simplify growing Basil in your gardening space. I love that Basil is so versatile in that it can be grown virtually anywhere that has enough sunshine.
If your gardening space is small, like a balcony or a small deck, Basil will happily grow in a container. And if you have acres surrounding you, Basil will grow in a raised bed or in the ground.
If you would like to talk more about Basil (or any other gardening topic) I invite you to message me and we can puzzle through it together. Stay well!
More to Explore
- 4+ Ways to Grow Great Fresh Herb Planters in Alberta & Everywhere Else
- How to Grow the Best Tomatoes in Alberta
- How to Grow Garlic in Alberta and on the Prairies
- When to Plant a Successful Vegetable Garden in Alberta or any Other Zone 3-4 Growing Zone [+ Downloadable Chart]
- The Complete Guide to Growing Great Strawberries in Alberta & the Prairies
- June-Bearing vs. Ever-Bearing vs. Day-Neutral Strawberries: What Gardeners Need to Know
© Sharon Wallish Murphy, Gardening with Sharon
