Basil growing guide: How do you grow basil?

Basil is a relatively easy plant to grow, making it a great choice for newer gardeners. It's a member of the mint family that works well in many recipes or as a pizza topping.

You might not have realised that there are several variations of basil you could choose to grow. We'd recommend Thai or sweet basil as your best options. Thai basil offers a savoury yet spicy flavour while the sweet alternative is a milder, more peppery taste.

Both have the potential to enhance just about any dish. Use our guide to learn about growing fresh basil and spice up your meals with home-grown herbs.

When to sow, plant and harvest basil seeds

Sow basil between March and May before planting outside from May to July. It should be ready to harvest from June to September.

How to grow basil

Sowing basil

• Begin by getting basil seeds from a reputable supplier. You'll typically find them in your local garden centre or from online retailers.
• Sow your basil seeds indoors to improve the chances of successful germination. You can grow basil outside from the start too but you should wait for warmer summer temperatures to do this.
• Place the seeds in pots filled with multi-purpose compost, then water gently. It thrives in temperatures around 18˚C, so place in a propagator if you have one to hand. Otherwise, put it in a warm area and cover with a clear plastic bag.
• Remove the bag or take it out of the propagator once seedlings appear. Water lightly and pop it on a bright windowsill. Avoid direct sunlight at midday as you risk scorching the basil leaves.

Planting basil

• Basil is almost ready to go outside once temperatures are above 15˚C and its first true leaves appear.
• Transplant each plant into a 7.5cm pot and acclimatise it to the outdoors by hardening it off for two weeks – by placing it outside during the day and bringing it inside at night.
• Pick a warm, sunny and sheltered spot to plant your basil. This can be a site with rich, well-drained soil or in a container filled with multi-purpose compost.
• Space each plant 20-30cm apart to give it the room needed to thrive and leave it to grow.

Caring for basil while it grows

Managing and caring for your crop can be a breeze. Here's how to create ideal growing conditions for basil:
 

1. Watering – Regularly water the basil plant and try to avoid splashing the leaves. We recommend watering in the morning as wet roots at night can impact its development.
2. Feeding – Use liquid fertiliser to promote leafy growth and give it a boost.
3. Weeding – Don't let the weeds surrounding the crop steal its light. Weed regularly to ensure it gets the desired sunlight.
4. Pest and rot control – Protect the plants from snails, slugs, whiteflies and red spider mites, and keep them well-ventilated to prevent grey mould or powdery mildew.

When and how to harvest basil

Harvest your basil leaves throughout the summer and early autumn. You'll know they're ready because the plant will be six to eight inches tall and have over four sets of leaves.

Simply pick or cut leaves towards the top as and when you need them. Once harvested, put them in an airtight container and consume them within two weeks.

Be sure to leave at least three side shoot pairs when you harvest, so it can regrow and produce more for your recipes.

What are the advantages of growing basil in a polytunnel?

Growing basil in a polytunnel can help you produce better-looking and better-tasting leaves. Here's why:
 

• Extra protection from external threats such as pests and diseases
• Weather control to provide consistent temperatures and cover from adverse conditions
• Extend the growing season to enjoy your harvest for longer
• Basil is a good companion to the tomato plants in your polytunnel

Find a polytunnel to aid your basil growing today

Make growing sweet basil a fun, rewarding and straightforward task with the help of our polytunnels. We have several sizes and supporting accessories to improve your gardening experience.

Our team are on hand if you want polytunnel advice. Just get in touch by ringing 01282 811250, requesting a callback or emailing info@premierpolytunnels.co.uk.

Want more inspiration? Check out our growing guides.