What Do Basil Plants Look Like Coming Up?

Green Shoots

• Because basil seeds are tiny, they should be planted no deeper than 1/8 inch in soil. Basil needs soil that is rich in organic material and has good drainage. Five to seven days after the seeds are planted, small, green shoots will emerge from the soil. The end of each shoot will open into two cotyledons, or first leaves, shaped like the letter D. They are where carbohydrates were stored in the seeds, and the carbohydrates gave the seeds energy to grow. Despite their appearance, cotyledons cannot convert sunlight into energy.

True Leaves

• Within a few days, the basil plants will begin to develop true leaves, which can photosynthesize, turning sunlight into energy. The stems will grow taller and begin to thicken. Mature basil stems are slightly woody and tough. As the plants grow, they develop more leaves at intervals along their stems. When a basil plant is several inches tall, it can be made bushier by pinching off the top two leaves on its stem. Mature basil plants flower and begin to develop seeds. That stage can make the plants' leaves tougher and taste bitter.

Growth Factors

• Basil plants do not grow well when their roots are wet but do not tolerate dry conditions. Regular watering is important for the plants to grow and thrive. They can be harvested by removing individual leaves or by cutting the stems just above a pair of leaves. Harvesting by cutting the stems makes the plants bushier, like pinching them back does. Leave enough leaves on the plants so they can continue to produce energy from sunlight.

Flavor Factors

• How basil plants are grown affects their flavor. Leaves of plants grown in bright, direct sunlight have a stronger flavor than leaves of plants grown in shade or diffused light. Fertilizing basil plants can result in leaves with a weak or bland flavor. The plants grow so quickly when fertilized that they do not produce or store the essential oils in the leaves that give them flavor. Basil plants should be fertilized only if they seem to stop growing or their leaves are pale. Even then, they should be fertilized sparingly and no more than twice during summer.