Growing Basil from Seed: Gardener Guide

Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by teamobn

If you cook and spend even a little time in the garden, then you simply must try growing some basil. Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs. People have treasured and enjoyed the unique taste of its leaves for thousands of years.

While growing basil from seed is easy the plant will only grow outdoors in the summer when the soil is sufficiently warm. As a general rule, you should plant basil in a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun a day. But the herb will do well under the partial sun, too, if need be.

Guide to Growing Basil from Seed

Since you will probably cook what you grow, don’t use insecticides. Grow your basil in moist but well-draining soil away from busy streets so that no particles from exhaust fumes settle on the plants.

Here’s how to grow basil from seed in your garden.

Planting Basil Seeds

Plant your basil seeds about ¼-inch deep in the moist soil. Allow 10 to 12 inches between the seeds. Keep in mind that the plants will grow to about 12 to 24 inches tall. For larger varieties, plant farther apart – about 16 to 24 inches.

If you live in a hot area, mulch the bed to suppress weeds and help the soil retain adequate moisture. The seeds should germinate within a week. Water the small plants vigorously during the dry periods of summer.

Once the seedlings have produced their first six leaves, prune these to above the second set. Pruning encourages the plants to start branching. This will mean more leaves for harvesting later on.

Caring for Basil Plants

Basil requires regular pruning. Each time the plant sprouts 6 to 8 new leaves, cut the branches back to the first set of leaves. After about 6 weeks, pinch off the center shoot to prevent early flowering. If flowers do grow, simply cut them off.

If the weather is going to be cold or if a sudden frost is imminent, be sure to harvest your basil early. The cold weather will destroy the plants.

Harvesting Basil

You can begin harvesting the leaves when the plants are around 6 to 8 inches tall. Collect leaves from the tops of the branches, cutting off several inches. Basil will usually start producing an abundance of leaves once the temperatures hit 27°C. 

Make sure to pick the leaves regularly. Regular harvesting will encourage growth throughout the summer. You should harvest even when you don’t need the leaves. Pick them to keep the plant going.

If you pick regularly, twelve basil plants can produce 4 to 6 cups of leaves each week. Handle basil delicately so as not to bruise and blacken the leaves.

Storing Your Harvest

You can air-dry basil in small, loose bunches. However, the leaves will retain more flavor when frozen. Simply puree washed leaves in a blender or food processor, adding water as needed to make a thick but pourable puree.

Pour the puree into ice-cube trays and freeze. You can then pop out the frozen basil cubes and store them in labeled freezer bags to use as needed in soups, sauces, and pesto.

Are you ready to grow basil in your garden? 

Best Basil Varieties to Grow from Seed

Growing basil from seed is one of the most rewarding experiences for home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts. Basil is easy to start from seed, and the variety you choose can make a big difference in both the flavor and appearance of your plants. From sweet and classic to spicy and exotic, there’s a type of basil suited to every garden and kitchen. Here’s a guide to some of the best basil varieties to grow from seed, whether you’re planting in garden beds, pots, or window boxes.

Genovese Basil

Genovese basil is the classic Italian variety most people picture when they think of basil. It’s a must if you plan on making fresh pesto or want that traditional flavor for caprese salads and pasta dishes. The leaves are large, bright green, and have a sweet, slightly peppery taste. Growing basil from seed gives you a steady supply of Genovese basil all season long. It thrives in full sun and warm weather and benefits from regular pinching to encourage bushy growth.

Thai Basil

Thai basil offers a completely different flavor profile from its Italian cousin. This variety has a spicy, anise-like taste with a hint of licorice. It’s a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, often used in curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. The leaves are smaller, with a distinct purplish tint and dark purple stems. Thai basil is hardy in the heat and holds its flavor better when cooked than sweet basil. If you’re growing basil from seed and want something unique for your culinary creations, Thai basil is an excellent choice.

Lemon Basil

Lemon basil stands out for its citrusy aroma and flavor. The leaves are narrower and lighter green than other basil types. This variety pairs well with fish, poultry, and salads and makes a refreshing addition to herbal teas. Growing basil from seed allows you to enjoy the bright, clean taste of lemon basil right from your garden. It prefers the same warm conditions as other basils and benefits from consistent watering and pruning.

Purple Basil

Purple basil gives your food and garden some visual flair. Deep purple leaves of varieties like “Dark Opal” and “Red Rubin” can be utilized both as an ornamental plant and in cooking. Though with a more hotter edge, the taste is like sweet basil. Where its color can show, purple basil is fantastic in vinegars, oils, and salads. Though they need full sun to preserve their rich color, purple types are just as easy to cultivate from seed as green ones.

Cinnamon Basil

Cinnamon basil tastes and smells warmly and powerfully like cinnamon. It is a lovely addition to any herb garden with tiny purple stem leaves and pink blossoms. Fruit salads, drinks, and sweets call for this diversity. It draws pollinators as well, which is great for the state of your garden. Plant it in well-drained soil, then regularly picking the leaves to promote fresh development.

Selecting the correct basil variety improves your cuisine as well as your garden. Growing basil from seed allows you to enjoy fresh herbs right at hand while exploring several flavors and colors.

Common Pests and Diseases When Growing Basil from Seed

Growing basil from seed is a simple and rewarding process, but it’s not without its challenges. Once your seedlings emerge and start to thrive, you may find that pests and diseases become a problem. These issues can weaken your plants, stunt their growth, or even destroy an entire crop if not addressed early. Knowing what to look for can help you protect your basil and ensure a healthy, productive garden.

Aphids

Aphids are one of the most common pests you’ll encounter when growing basil from seed. These tiny, soft-bodied insects usually gather on the undersides of leaves or on tender new growth. They feed on the plant’s sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, or become distorted. In severe infestations, aphids can stunt or kill young basil plants. 

If you notice them early, you can often wash them off with a strong spray of water. For ongoing issues, insecticidal soap or neem oil can keep them in check. Attracting natural predators like ladybugs can also help maintain balance in your garden.

Slugs and Snails

If you’re growing basil from seed outdoors, slugs and snails may become a problem, especially during damp conditions. They chew irregular holes in the leaves and can decimate young seedlings overnight. To protect your basil, you can use barriers like crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around the base of each plant. Handpicking slugs and snails in the evening or early morning is another effective method. Beer traps and copper tape also work to deter them from approaching your basil plants.

Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are another pest to watch for when growing basil from seed. These shiny green and copper beetles feed on the leaves, skeletonizing them until only the veins remain. They often appear in large numbers and can do a lot of damage in a short time. Handpicking them is effective if you catch them early. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to prevent them from flying away. You can also cover your basil with fine mesh netting to keep beetles from reaching the plants.

Downy Mildew

Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases affecting basil. It’s a fungal disease that causes yellowing on the top of the leaves and grayish spores on the underside. It spreads quickly in warm, humid conditions. If you’re growing basil from seed in a greenhouse or indoors, be sure to provide good air circulation. Water at the base of the plants rather than overhead to keep foliage dry. If you spot signs of infection, remove and dispose of affected leaves immediately. In severe cases, you may need to remove entire plants to prevent the spread.

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium wilt is another fungal disease that can affect basil, particularly if you’re growing basil from seed in poorly drained soil. It causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and dark streaks on the stems. The disease spreads through the soil and can linger for years. Once a plant shows symptoms, there’s no cure. Prevention is key—use disease-free seeds and rotate crops to reduce the risk. Raised beds or containers with well-drained soil can help prevent fusarium wilt from taking hold.

When growing basil from seed, staying vigilant about pests and diseases is part of the process. Healthy, stress-free plants are less likely to suffer damage. Regular inspections, proper spacing for airflow, and organic pest control methods will keep your basil thriving all season long.

Conclusion

Growing basil from seed is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavorful herbs right from your garden. With the right care, attention to pests and diseases, and regular harvesting, your basil plants will thrive throughout the season. Whether you’re growing it for cooking or simply to enjoy its fragrance, starting basil from seed gives you a healthy and abundant supply.

We have more kitchen ingredients you can grow at home. Check out our guide on cultivating your own salsa garden!