Indoor Basil Plants

Propagation

• Basil grows easily from seed. It needs well-drained soil, so mix your own potting medium with equal amounts of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite, or purchase a lightweight commercial potting medium. Dampen the soil and gently press the seeds into it, keeping them moist until they germinate. Seedlings are available in most garden centers during the spring and early summer if you'd like to shorten the period from planting to harvest.

Growing Conditions

• Whether it's grown in the garden or in a pot indoors, basil likes lots of light -- at least six hours a day in a south or west window. If you don't have a spot with sufficient natural light, position a fluorescent light with two 40-watt cool bulbs 6 to 12 inches above the plants. Turn the light on for 15 hours a day. Keep the room temperature between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and between 65 and 70 during the day.

Watering

• Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, but don't wait until the plant is wilting. Allow the water to drain so the plants are not sitting in water. If the house is especially dry, mist the leaves lightly with water once or twice a week. Keep your basil plants out of drafts, but make sure air circulates around and through the plants, using a fan if needed.

Fertilizing

• Apply a water-soluble organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or seaweed solution twice a month. Too much fertilizer will reduce the flavor and aroma of the basil leaves.

Pruning & Repotting

• For a bushy plant and plenty of leaves for fresh use, pinch out the top growth of each stem. The pinched-off leaves can serve as a bonus harvest. Also, remove the flowers as they begin to form to promote healthy leaves and roots. Re-pot your basil plants when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes.

Diseases

• Diseases that affect basil, including Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, gray mold, leaf spot and root rot are more common in basil grown in the garden than in basil grown in pots indoors. Using a sterile planting medium and clean container should help you avoid the soil-borne diseases. Good drainage and air circulation will help you avoid the others.