Grow a garden filled with Sweet Basil, from freshly harvested Ocimum basilicum herb seeds. Sweet Basil produces large, tender green leaves that are both fragrant, as well as tasty. Often used in Italian pestos, this herb will grow to a mature height of roughly 36 inches tall, producing 3 inch leaves. It not only makes a great additive to pestos, but salads and tomato sauces as well. A great herb for use indoors or outdoors, Sweet Basil is popularly grown in pots & containers as well. They are not only used in cooking, but also as an ornamental plant. Their short, bushy growth habit makes them a perfect addition to borders and flower beds too!
Sweet Basil herbs are categorized as annual plants. Annuals such as this will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds. They produce many leaves for harvesting, through the summer months and will later flower at the end of the season. Fresh seeds can be collected from the spent flower heads before the Winter season arrives. Sweet Basil takes anywhere between 60 to 90 days for harvesting.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Annual
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green
- Height: 36″ Tall
- Width: 24″ Spread
- Harvest: 90 Days
- Uses: Culinary
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Sweet Basil can be grown indoors or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8” under topsoil so that direct light can reach them. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. (Check below for spacing and growth habits)
Growing Conditions
Sweet Basil will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 65F or more. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting or other light water setting to avoid overwatering and/or disturbing the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Your Basil will begin to show life within as little as 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of about 36 inches tall and can take up a fair amount of space. Space each plant roughly 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. To promote the production of additional leaves, pluck the flower heads before the blooms open up. Cut the fresh leaves to add to an array of culinary dishes and pestos.