Basil is one of the easiest herbs to cultivate right in your home. With the right care, it will thrive just as well as it would in a garden, without the worry of pests or other critters nibbling on it. Growing basil indoors is possible in any time of the year, either by planting seeds or by picking up a potted plant from your local supermarket.
Can You Grow Basil Inside Your Apartment?
Absolutely! The key is to provide enough light. Basil is a real sun-lover. It flourishes best near a south-facing window, where it can soak up 6-8 hours of bright sunlight daily. If you don’t have such a spot, grow lights work wonders and basil grows beautifully under them.
This is a low-maintenance herb that can easily find a place even in a small kitchen. Just remember to water it regularly and give it a little food now and then, and you’ll always have fragrant leaves at your fingertips.
How to Grow Basil Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide
Light:
Basil needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you’re using grow lights (like fluorescent ones), keep them on for about 12 hours a day, positioned 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) above the top of the plants. Make sure the leaves don’t touch the bulbs to avoid burning.
Temperature and Humidity:
The ideal temperature for basil is no lower than 70°F (21°C). Protect it from drafts and cold windows in the winter. Basil enjoys humid air, so mist the leaves with water occasionally or place the pot on a tray filled with moist pebbles to increase humidity around the plant.
Watering:
Basil doesn’t like to dry out completely. Water it as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, basil needs about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, but plants in pots might need more frequent watering. If the leaves start to wilt, it’s definitely time to water (though it’s best to avoid letting it get to this point).
Feeding:
Since you’ll be regularly harvesting basil leaves for your culinary creations, the plant needs occasional feeding. Once a month, use a diluted liquid all-purpose fertilizer (mix it at half the recommended strength). If your basil seems to be growing slowly, you can feed it more often, about every two weeks.
Plant Care and Shaping
Basil isn’t fussy, but good drainage, fresh air, regular watering, and plenty of light are essential for its health. Regular trimming (or simply harvesting leaves for cooking) encourages new growth, making the plant bushier. To keep your basil thriving, pinch off the tips of young shoots. Mature plants can be pruned more heavily – you can cut entire stems, leaving a few inches near the base.
Always harvest leaves from the top down; this helps the plant grow more vigorously.
Pot and Soil:
A pot with a volume of about 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) is suitable for a single basil plant. It’s crucial that the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to fungal problems or root rot.
The soil should be light, well-draining, and consistently moist but not soggy. Use a good quality potting mix and add a little compost for better growth.
Repotting:
If you’re growing basil from seeds, transplant the seedlings into larger pots once they’re strong enough to handle. In most cases, basil completes its life cycle within a year, often before it needs repotting. However, if you see roots growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom, it’s time to move it to a bigger container.
Taking Basil Outdoors in Summer:
In the spring, once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C), you can move your basil plant to a balcony or patio. Cold temperatures can quickly turn the leaves black, so don’t rush it – basil is sensitive even to light frost. Before leaving it outdoors for extended periods, acclimate the plant to the new conditions by taking it outside for a few hours each day initially.
Basil will need more water outdoors, especially on hot days, so water it daily.
Bringing Basil Back Indoors:
At the end of summer or the beginning of autumn, when nights start to get cooler (below 50°F or 10°C), be sure to bring your basil plant back inside. Even if the days are still warm, don’t leave it outdoors overnight.
This fragrant herb is not only a lovely addition to your kitchen but also a useful ingredient in your cooking. Growing basil at home is easy, convenient, and incredibly rewarding!