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Growing Basil from Seeds, Cuttings or Seedlings

Gardening Guide: The Basil Grower’s Guide: All You Need to Know About Growing and Cooking with Basil

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Growing Basil from Seeds, Cuttings or Seedlings

By Norann Oleson

Basil seedlings

Basil is an annual plant, but you can grow it year-round if you want to have plants indoors.

And gardeners can grow basil directly from seed, because basil will germinate and sprout quite easily. If you’re planting from seed and are planning to grow your basil outside, start them indoors at least six weeks before the last frost of the season. Check your local listings for frost dates in your area.

Basil is very susceptible to cold weather, so you’ll want to harvest any outside basil before late fall—or bring plants inside on a window sill with plenty of light and warmth.

While it’s easy to grow basil from seed, planting a cutting is also an easy method of growing this terrific herb. Select a 4-inch section of a mature basil plant that has yet to start flowering. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, and then let it sit in water—you don’t need to add any rooting hormone to the cutting while it sits in the water.

The basil cutting’s roots should form in seven to 10 days, and you can plant the cuttings directly into the garden once the roots are big enough to take in the soil.

Finally, if planting by seed or cutting isn’t in your plan, you can always pick up basil plants at your local garden center and plant them where you want in your herb garden. Just be sure to choose plants that look bright and healthy and not droopy, which indicates a lack of water.

Note: If you’re planting a seedling or cutting, make sure temperatures are above 70 degrees F. Basil plants like light and heat!

Have you tried growing basil from seeds, seedlings, or both? Which method do you prefer—and why? Please tell us how you get your basil garden started ever year.

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Tags

basil, grow basil, growing basil, mature basil plant

Comments
  • Paula B. July 22, 2022

    If I bring basil onto my windowsill for the winter my cats will eat it..

    If there a solution, or a good storage method?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  • Gene March 9, 2022

    I’ve grown from plants and seeds. Plants are quicker; but you’re left with someone else’s choices. Sometimes I like to pick and do the extra work.
    Have never tried cuttings. I’m interested if that would extend my season since plants tend to begin “giving up” toward the end of my tomato season.

    Reply
    • Norann O. March 9, 2022

      Gene,
      I like to take cuttings in the fall so that I can keep my garden going with a kitchen windowsill herb garden. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out for you.

      Reply

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Feature Articles

  • Choosing Varieties of Basil Plants
  • Growing Basil from Seeds, Cuttings or Seedlings
  • Growing Basil Indoors, in Open Land, in Raised Beds, or in Containers
  • Starting with the Right Soil for Your Basil Plants
  • The Right Sunlight for Your Basil Plants
  • Watering Your Basil Plants
  • How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Basil-Plant Diseases
  • What to Do About Pests that Can Harm Your Basil Plants
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Basil
  • Plant Profiles

  • Cinnamon Basil
  • Lemon Basil
  • Purple Basil
  • Green Ruffles Basil
  • Thai Basil
  • Sweet Basil
  • Recipes

  • Basil Ice Cream
  • Basil-Potato Frittata
  • Easy Capellini with Basil and Tomatoes
  • Roasted Tomato-Basil Soup
  • Basil-Lemon Grilled Chicken
  • Basil-Watermelon Salad
  • Basil Pesto
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Basil
  • Home Remedies & Health Benefits of Basil
  • Resources about Basil
  • Basil Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • How Much Water Does Basil Need?
  • 10 Helpful Plants for Bug Control in Your Kitchen Garden
  • An Edible Plant that Deters Mosquitoes for Your Vegetable Garden
  • 5 Different Types of Basil Gardeners and Chefs Love
  • The Basil Grower’s Guide—All You Need to Know About Growing and Cooking with Basil

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