How to Grow Basil Indoors at Home

Discover the simplicity of growing fresh basil with our step by step guide!

Welcome to your ultimate guide on growing basil indoors. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to bring some greenery indoors or a beginner eager to cultivate your own herbs, you’ve come to the right place.

Common Name	Basil
Botanical Name	Ocimum basilicum
Plant Type	Annual, herb

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. With the proper conditions, basil grown indoors can be just as successful as plants in the garden—without fearing that insects to devour the plants or the cold winters being too cold.

It is possible to plant basil indoors at any time of the year, either by starting it from seeds or buying a potted basil plant at the supermarket.

Indoor gardening opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to grow fresh herbs year-round, right in the comfort of your home. And what better herb to start with than basil? Not only does it add a delightful aroma to your living space, but it also serves as a flavorful addition to countless culinary creations.

So, grab your gardening gloves and let’s embark on this basil-growing journey together. From selecting the perfect spot for your basil plant to harvesting your first fragrant leaves, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Let’s dive in and discover how to grow vibrant, healthy basil plants that will brighten up your home and tantalize your taste buds!

Can You Grow Basil Inside?

Basil is very easy to grow indoors. With the proper conditions, basil grown indoors can be just as successful as plants in the garden—without fearing that insects to devour the plants or the cold winters being too cold. It is possible to plant basil indoors at any time of the year, either by starting it from seeds or buying a potted basil plant at the supermarket.

The key to successfully growing basil indoors is light. As with many other herbs, basil is a true sun-lover—place it near a sunny, south-facing window where it gets six to eight hours of bright light every day, and it will thrive. Alternatively, basil does exceptionally well under grow lights.

This wonderful herb requires little maintenance other than watering and fertilizing. It is also relatively pest and disease-free. It’s a compact plant that easily fits on a windowsill in even the smallest apartment space.

Materials Needed for Growing Basil Indoors

Basil seeds: Start with a bag of high-quality organic soil and a packet of seed that rich in nutrients that you won’t need to add fertilizer for at least six weeks. One packet of genovese basil seeds will be enough to keep you well-stocked in basil plants, with plenty to share.

Bright lights: Basil thrives in a warm, bright location, such as a south-facing window that is sunny for most of the day. However, If you don’t have a suitable window, use a grow light. That is a good alternative to still be able to grow healthy herbs anywhere in your home or office.

Planting Basil Seeds Indoors

1. Lightly moisten fresh potting mix and pack firmly into pots that around 4-6″ inches. Pour some seeds into your palm, and sprinkle the soil surface with a few seeds. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and press gently to firm the soil. Water gently or use a mister.

2. Place in a warm window with a southern exposure. Avoid drafty windows, or places where temperatures drop considerably at night. As the plants grow, rotate the pots to keep them from leaning in one direction, toward the light. If you are using grow lights, set a timer so that they are on for 14 hours a day. Place the lights a few inches above the seedlings.

Caring For Basil Indoors

1. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet.

If the plants start to look crowded as they grow, use scissors to thin them out. Snip the extra seedlings at the soil line and enjoy them in a salad.

Raise grow lights as the plants grow. If the plants look leggy, move the lights closer. If you see white spots on the leaves, the lights are too close.

A month after planting, you can enjoy the aroma of basil by running your hands over the small leaves. Two months after planting, you may have enough basil leaves to make fresh pesto and impress your friends! If the leaves start looking pale green in color, start using liquid fertilizer, mixing at the rate recommended on the package. For continuous harvests, plant a batch of seeds every few weeks.

Conclusion

Well, congratulations, indoor gardener extraordinaire! You’ve reached the end of our guide on growing basil indoors, and hopefully, you’re feeling inspired and equipped to embark on your own basil-growing adventure.

But remember, the journey doesn’t end here. As your basil plant continues to thrive and flourish, there’s always more to learn and explore. Experiment with different varieties of basil, try out new recipes, and share the bounty of your harvest with friends and family.

Here is an example video by a YouTuber – Dina’s Garden showcasing a similar method to ours for growing basil from seed. Check it out!