Place the basil plant in a location that gets at least six to eight hours of sun a day. If the plant is indoors, an east-facing window is ideal. Make sure it is not in a draft. Basil loves to be warm.
Water basil at the base of the plant, and try not to get the leaves or the stems wet. Let the soil dry out a little in between waterings. If growing basil indoors, add fertilizer monthly. Do not over-water.
Prune your plant by pinching off individual leaves, or the whole top of the plant with your fingernails, when the plant is about 6 inches tall and has at least three to four sets of leaves. If you don't prune, or harvest regularly your basil will bolt to seed.
Transfer your basil indoors before the first fall frost to prolong the life of your plant.