Gardening Tips for Growing Holy Basil

Maintain Proper Temperature

• When beginning the growth of holy basil indoors as well as transferring the plant outdoors, maintaining the appropriate temperature for growth is essential to healthy development. Holy basil is easily injured by cold temperatures, so when growing indoors, maintain temperatures near 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Iowa State University Extension. Additionally, when you move your basil outside, wait until nighttime temperatures have risen above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid damage and stunted growth.

Add Mulch

• An easy way to watch your holy basil lose its vigor in the home garden is through pest infestation and lack of adequate water. Adding a layer of mulch, like pine needles or compost, to the soil surrounding your growing basil plants is highly beneficial. Mulch helps retain the moisture basil plants need for growth, and it also aids in the prevention of weeds, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Weeds often compete for the nutrients within soil, and they attract pests that will move from the weed as a host plant onto your basil, leading to potential injury and growth problems.

Create Ideal Culture

• Maintaining the basic cultural needs of the holy basil plant creates the foundation for healthy growth. Grow your holy basil in areas of the home garden that offer full sunlight for optimal energy, development, and vibrant color. Another important part of creating the ideal culture for your holy basil is the use of well-drained soil rich in nutrients, according to the Ohio State University Extension. For plants in need of well-drained soil, allowing water to collect leads to waterlogged roots that have trouble absorbing water and nutrients. Additionally, standing water creates a prime environment for fungal and bacterial pathogens that lead to disease on your basil plant.