How Long to Grow Basil Seed

Culture

• Plant basil seeds in a moist, well-drained growing medium in your garden or in a planting flat. Sow seeds just under the soil surface and water thoroughly. When planting basil seeds directly in garden soil, ensure that the risk of frost has passed and that the average outdoor temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit; basil is extremely sensitive to cold temperatures and is easily damaged by frost. Water the seeds regularly to maintain soil moisture until the seeds germinate. Transplant basil seedlings from a planting flat to a small potting container or into your garden once the seedlings develop two to four healthy leaves.

Care

• Keep the area around basil plants free from weeds throughout the growing season to prevent competition and maximize their growth rate. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch such as compost, straw or leaf litter to help maintain soil moisture. Water the plants deeply once each week to ensure that the roots have adequate moisture to facilitate healthy growth. Basil often has a better flavor when the plants are not fertilized, but fertilizer will speed up the growth rate of basil so that they can be harvested sooner. Apply a well-balanced liquid fertilizer once every three to four weeks for basil grown outdoors and every four to six weeks for basil plants grown indoors.

Harvesting

• Early in the morning, after the dew has evaporated from basil leaves but before the heat of the day grows too warm, is the best time to harvest basil, according to horticulturalists at the University of Minnesota Extension. Harvest basil anytime through the growing season by pinching off leaves as needed. The best time to harvest large amounts of basil is after 10 to 12 weeks of growing, once the plant is mature -- when it begins to produce small flower buds, but before they open. When harvesting stems of basil, pinch off the stem just above a pair of leaves so that the plant can generate new growth.

Preserving Basil

• Though basil is an annual plant that will die back in home gardens with the first frost each year, you can easily extend the life of your basil plants by preserving the leaves to use on demand. Bunch up basil leaves, pack them into ice cube trays, cover with plastic wrap and store in the freezer to use whenever the fresh basil flavor is needed for culinary dishes. Place basil stems flat on a baking tray, cover with a cheese cloth and place in a warm area away from direct sunlight to dry the leaves -- the process usually takes 24 hours. Place the dried leaves in an airtight glass container to use as a seasoning throughout the year.