How to grow basil – the star of every Mediterranean dish, which has also earned a place on the windowsills of urban kitchens in recent years. But although it looks like a simple plant that only needs a little sun and water, it is actually a much more spoiled lady. If we don't treat it properly, it quickly turns into a yellow, sad, lifeless stalk.
Many people make a fatal mistake when picking leaves, which the basilica literally kills. Not to mention improper watering, shady corners, and suffocated roots. But don't panic - with the right tricks, your basil will thrive like in an Italian culinary commercial, every month of the year.
How to grow basil so it grows lushly all year round: tricks that gardeners hide like gold
1. Proper sowing: the foundation of every success story
Starting with the basics – the soil should be airy, loose and rich in organic matter. Sow basil seeds shallowly as they need light to germinate. Warmth is key – ideally between 20 and 25°C – and the first sprouts will appear in about a week. The first leaves are not the real ones yet, so wait until at least two “real” leaf plates have grown before you pick or transplant them.
2. Sun, sun and sun again
Basil loves light. Place it where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you are growing it on an indoor windowsill, a south-facing window is ideal. Without sun, the plant will be pale, tall, and will quickly die back.
3. Watering with feeling
Basil is sensitive to extreme conditions – it doesn’t like drought, but it doesn’t like wet feet even less. Water it regularly, but not excessively. The soil should be slightly moist, but never soggy. Watering in the morning is best, as it allows the leaves to dry out during the day and prevent rotting.
4. Regular pruning for lush growth
The most common mistake? Plucking off the lower leaves. Instead, always prune the top tips. This encourages new shoots to grow and keeps the plant bushy, not tall and sparse. Prune above a leaf node – where the branches intersect. And remember the golden rule: never cut off more than a third of the plant at a time.
5. Correct planting distance
If you plant several plants together, keep the distance between them about 25 to 30 cm. This will ensure good air circulation, which prevents the development of mold and other diseases.
6. Growing in pots or in the garden
You can grow basil both outdoors and in pots – the latter are especially convenient because you can move it to the balcony in the summer and inside in the winter. Just make sure the pots have good drainage. Plant it outdoors only after the last frost, which in our area means after May 15th.
7. Pantry of flavors – all year round
When you have too much basil, you can easily store it for later consumption:
- Freezing in olive oil in ice cube trays is ideal for making sauces or soups.
- Pesto, made from fresh leaves, garlic and olive oil, can be frozen and enjoyed even in the middle of winter.
- Drying is the least recommended, as the basil loses a lot of its aroma, but it is still better than nothing.
Conclusion:
Basil may not be the most undemanding plant, but with a little knowledge and a lot of love, it will reward you with fresh, fragrant leaves all year round. And who knows – you might even master the art of pesto, which will give your pasta the taste of a real Italian trattoria. Just don't pluck the leaves, please.
