How Long Does It Take for Basil to Grow True Leaves?

Seed sowing

• For reliable results, sow basil from seed indoors under artificial light about four weeks before the last frost. Place sterile seed starting mix, available at garden centers, in 2-inch pots with drainage holes. Dampen the soil with warm water and wait one hour. If the soil appears dry, add more water. Press three to four seeds against the surface and cover them lightly with additional soil.

Germination

• Germination time varies in temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. At room temperature, basil germinates in approximately one week. True leaves emerge two to three weeks after the first pair of leaves. Provide direct light, three to four inches from the seedlings, and keep the soil moist for the first three to four weeks. Avoid fungal diseases by placing basil on a tray of water instead of sprinkling the plants with water.

Hardening Off

• When all risk of frost has passed in your growing region, usually April for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 and warmer and May in cooler zones, begin preparing seedlings with at least two sets of true leaves for transplant to the outside garden. Place the plants outdoors in a semishady location for an hour the first day and increase the time they stay outdoors incrementally for a week until the plants are outside all day.

Transplanting

• Plant basil in a sunny location in well-draining soil. Amend the soil with peat and well-aged manure to create garden loam. Place transplants in the ground at the same height they were planted in their container. Water them well and do not allow the soil to dry out until they are well-established. Mulch the plants with grass clippings or other organic matter to retain moisture.