Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Essential culinary herb with fragrant leaves perfect for cooking. Grows quickly in warm, sunny conditions with regular harvesting.
About Basil
Native to India and Southeast Asia, basil is the quintessential kitchen herb, producing fragrant leaves perfect for pesto, Caprese salads, and countless dishes. It grows quickly from seed and thrives in warm, sunny conditions. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and prevents flowering.
High Light
Needs bright light—at least 6 hours of sun or strong grow lights. Sunny kitchen windowsills are ideal.
Ideal window: South-facing windows are best for basil. West-facing windows can also work, providing strong afternoon sun. Basil needs as much light as possible to stay compact and flavorful.
Note: Window direction recommendations are based on the Northern Hemisphere.
Pinch off flower buds as they appear—flowering changes the flavor of leaves and signals the plant to stop producing foliage. Regular harvesting keeps basil productive.
Moderate — Keep consistently moist
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Basil wilts dramatically when thirsty but recovers quickly.
Appreciates moderate humidity but tolerates average conditions.
Warm — 65-85°F
Loves warmth—65-85°F (18-29°C). Very cold-sensitive; keep away from drafts and cold windows.
Wilting
Usually needs water. If soil is moist, check for root problems.
Yellow leaves
Overwatering, cold stress, or nutrient deficiency. Check conditions.
Flowering
Pinch flowers to extend leaf production. Once flowering starts heavily, flavor declines.
Basil belongs in kitchen gardens and sunny kitchen windows. Group with other culinary herbs. Multiple plants ensure a steady supply for cooking.
Bottom Watering Compatibility
Basil appreciates consistent moisture from bottom watering.