Sweet Basil Plants

Starts

• Basil seed germinates at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so it starts easily indoors under a grow light. Because the plants need warmth and sunlight to grow and are very tender to frost, seeds can't be planted outdoors until the soil temperature is at least 65 degrees, which in many climates does not occur until mid-June. Move seedlings outdoors when daytime air temperatures are consistently in the 70s and nights don't fall below 50. Many gardeners buy basil plants at the nursery.

Culture

• Plant basil in rich, well-drained soil into which you have mixed plenty of compost or composted manure. Basil grows best in full sun, but will tolerate a minimum of six hours of direct sun a day. Water the plants regularly and pinch out growing tips right above a set of smaller leaves to encourage the plants to branch. Pinch out and discard any flowering stems.

Problems

• Aphids are a common pest of sweet basil, so check plants weekly, if not daily, for infestation. Caught early, aphids can be handled by washing them off daily with water from a spray bottle or hose. Or, spray them with an insecticidal soap product. Slugs and snails also feed on basil; to prevent damage, sprinkle organic slug bait around the plants when you set them out.

Storage

• It's best to use basil fresh from the garden, but to keep it for a few days, place the stems in a glass of water, as you would cut flowers, and keep them in the refrigerator. Or place stems in a plastic bag, mist with water, seal and place the bag in the refrigerator. To dry basil, hang small bunches upside-down in a warm, airy place out of the sun. Cuttings from plants will root easily in water, if you wish to overwinter sweet basil as a houseplant in a window that gets full sun.