How Long Will Basil Grow?

Planting Basil

• Start basil plants indoors from seed, four weeks before the average last frost date, or outside in the garden, pots or hanging baskets once all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant in a sunny location, in well-drained fertile soil, and cover seeds to a depth of 1/4 inch. Seeds will germinate within a week, and once seedlings appear, thin the plants to 12 inches apart. Excess fertilizing will diminish the natural oils, so amend soil with compost or manure to improve the bed quality rather than applying additional fertilizers. Water regularly to ensure the roots receive enough moisture. Pots and hangers will dry out quickly and may require daily watering.

Types of Basil

• There are a number of basil varieties available. Sweet basil is best for pesto and adds flavor to tomatoes, salads and vinegars. Thai basil has a sweet anise scent and enhances Thai style dishes. Lettuce leaf basil has a mild flavor, large wrinkled leaves and is a nice addition to salads. Lemon and cinnamon basil also can add unusual flavors to endless recipes and vinegars. The differing leaf colors of basil also add variety and interest to garden borders, pots and baskets.

Harvesting Basil

• Harvest basil leaves once the plant reaches 6 inches in height. Single leaves can be clipped, or if using stems, cut the stem off right above a pair of leaves. The cut stems will produce new growth within a week. If any flowers develop on the plants, remove them by pinching, because once basil begins to flower and form seeds the herb flavor of the plant will become bitter and the leaves will stop growing. Prune basil regularly throughout the season to encourage fresh, new growth.

Preserving and Drying Basil

• Preserve fresh basil by creating herb ice cubes to use in recipes, making basil pesto and freezing for up to six months or dropping fresh basil into vinegars to add extra flavor. Basil can be dried by hanging bunches tied together, upside-down in a dark, warm, well-ventilated spot or by securely laying the leaves on small screens outdoors in the shade on a warm day. Basil also can be dried in the microwave on a low setting for up to three minutes when placed between layers of paper towels. Store the dried basil in an airtight container.