How Long Does Basil Take to Grow? A Complete Basil Growing Guide
Basil, especially sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), is a popular herb known for its fragrant leaves that add wonderful flavor to many dishes. Whether you’re growing basil seedlings from the store or starting from seed, knowing how long it takes to grow and how to properly care for your basil plants can help you get the most from your herb garden.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of growing basil, tips for healthy basil, and common questions about basil care.
Basil is such an easy, fast-growing herb to grow and one of my personal favorites to cook with!
From sprinkling it’s delicious leaves on top of pizzas and pastas to making and freezing fresh pesto, I simply love growing this magnificent herb! Try my pesto orzo pasta for a fast, delicious way to use up extra basil!
Once you taste homegrown basil you won’t ever think of grocery store basil the same way.
Basil Plant Growth Stages
Basil goes through several growth stages:
- Germination (1–2 weeks): Basil seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days when kept in a warm environment.
- Seedling (2–4 weeks): After germination, basil starts growing its first sets of true leaves. Keep it in a sunny spot with good air circulation. Basil can also be used as micro-greens at this stage and make a delicious addition to sandwiches, salads and soups.
- Vegetative Growth (4–8 weeks): During this stage, the basil plant rapidly grows more leaves. This is the time to begin harvesting.
- Maturity (8–12 weeks): The plant is now full-grown and ready for you to frequently harvest basil. The more you harvest, the more new leaves the plant will grow! Be sure to cut the stems above a leaf node to ensure the basil continues to branch out. This makes for bushy plants that give you a greater harvest.
- Flowering (after 12 weeks): Basil will produce small white flowers that signal the end of its productive leaf-growing phase.
Once basil starts to flower, the flavor will change. This is especially true for sweet basil, and while the plant will still be edible after it flowers, the leaves take on a spicier more bitter flavor that is not as pleasant.
The best way to extend your harvest is to pinch off flower buds as soon as you see them. Once the plant comes to the end of its life cycle, it will flower and go to seed no matter how much you prune it.
Never fear though- basil flowers attract pollinators like crazy! I love to keep my basil plants even after they have flowered to attract bees and other beneficials to my garden. If you wish to save your own basil seeds, allow the basil flowers to dry and then gently shake them into a paper bag and label the seeds.
Growing Basil from Seeds:
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed! Basil loves warm weather, so the seedlings will take off much faster in a warm environment.
Depending on the length of your growing season, consider getting a jump start by starting basil seeds indoors a few weeks before your last frost date and transplanting out in the garden after your last frost.
How to Start Basil Seeds:
To grow basil from seed, surface-sow it in well-draining soil, such as potting soil or seed-starting mix, and keep the soil warm and moist.
After the seeds germinate (usually within 5-10 days), provide them with ample sunlight (or keep them under grow lights) and allow them to grow until they have their first set of true leaves and the average nighttime temperature is at least 50 degrees before transplanting them outdoors.
If you are growing the plants indoors in a sunny window, transplant them after the seedlings have developed their first true leaves.
How to Grow Basil in the Garden:
Basil is not a fussy plant and doesn’t require much to thrive. Plant basil seedlings that have been hardened off in a location that receives full sun, in well-draining soil, preferably with some added organic matter, such as worm castings, to help the plants grow.
How Often to Water Basil:
Basil like all plants needs to be watered occasionally, but the soil should never be soggy. Water basil when the top inch of soil feels dry, but ensure there’s good drainage to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
Water basil only when it begins to show signs of needing water, such as drooping leaves. Basil does not like to be watered too much.
How to Cut Basil
To encourage new growth, cut basil leaves just above a leaf node using sharp scissors or pruning shears. Regular trimming will help the plant grow bushier and produce more leaves.
Cut the basil back and harvest regularly to get the maximum yield from your plants!
Basil Potted Plant Care:
Basil does particularly well in pots, making it a great option whether you’re growing it in a small herb garden or as a compact plant on your windowsill. Here are a few tips for caring for basil in pots:
- Pot Size: Choose a pot with good drainage that’s at least 6–8 inches in diameter to give the plant space for its root system to expand.
- Drainage: Basil needs well-drained soil, so ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid root rot. If you’re planting in a raised bed, make sure the soil is loose and drains well.
- Location: Keep your potted basil in a sunny location that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. Basil will grow best in a warm environment free of drafts.
How Many Basil Plants Per Pot?
For smaller containers, one to two basil plants per pot is ideal. If you’re growing several basil plants in a larger container, ensure each has enough space to spread out without overcrowding.
Containers with several plants may need more regular fertilization to keep the basil plants healthy.
How Long Does Basil Take to Grow?
Once you plant basil seeds or seedlings, it usually takes about 8–12 weeks for basil to reach maturity, though this depends on growing conditions. Basil grows best in the summer when temperatures are warm, and it can be harvested regularly once it’s well-established.
Best Fertilizer for Basil
Since basil is grown for its leaves, it’s important to use a fertilizer that promotes leafy growth. A fertilizer high in nitrogen will encourage lush, green basil.
I like to use a liquid fertilizer such as Fish emulsion or Neptune’s Harvest. Both fertilizers are great natural options, especially if you’re growing basil in pots or nutrient-deficient soil. If your garden soil already contains compost and aged manure, you likely won’t need to fertilize much.
My Favorite Varieties of Basil:
There are many different varieties of basil, each offering unique flavors and textures that can enhance a wide range of dishes. Here are some of my favorite types of basil, perfect for various culinary uses:
- Lettuce Leaf Basil
As the name suggests, lettuce leaf basil has large, wide, soft leaves that resemble lettuce in texture and shape. This variety is sweet and flavorful, making it ideal for salads, lettuce wraps, or as a fresh garnish. Its huge basil leaves also make it great for making pesto or adding to sandwiches for a fresh, aromatic crunch. I love using them to make chicken salad wraps! - Genovese Basil
This is the classic, traditional basil that most people think of when they imagine basil. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and a slightly spicy flavor, making it great for a variety of dishes. Use Genovese basil to top pizzas, add flavor to spaghetti sauce, or make the best pesto. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine and always adds a bright, aromatic touch. - Lemon Basil
If you’re a fan of citrus, lemon basil is a must-try! This variety has a delightful lemony flavor that can be used in a variety of dishes to add a refreshing citrus twist. It’s fantastic in chicken dishes, lemonade, and even desserts like lemon sorbet or lemon bars. Its light, citrusy notes bring an extra level of flavor to dishes and beverages. - Lime Basil
For those who love a little zest, lime basil is a great choice. It carries a zesty lime flavor that pairs beautifully with Mexican dishes like tacos, salsa, or even guacamole. It can also be used in marinades for meats or in drinks like limeade, adding a fresh lime burst that’s perfect for summer meals. - Dark Opal Basil
Known for its stunning deep purple leaves, purple basil adds both a visual and flavor punch to any dish. It has a similar fresh basil flavor as green basil, but with a slightly spicy edge. The beautiful color of purple basil makes it a great addition to salads, garnishes, or as an eye-catching topping on pizzas and pasta dishes. - Microgreen Basil Mix
Another great option is a mix like this one, to grow basil microgreens. Basil microgreens are a fantastic salad addition, sandwich topper and make a tasty tomato soup garnish. A blend of different basils such as this mix will give you robust flavor combinations that will elevate any dish you add them to!
Each of these basil varieties offers something special, whether you’re looking to add a traditional touch with Genovese basil, experiment with citrusy lemon basil, or brighten up your garden with the beautiful leaves of purple basil. They can all be grown easily in your herb garden and used fresh to enhance your cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Basil Plants Perennial?
Sweet basil is typically grown as a tender annual, especially in most parts of the United States. It’s very sensitive to cold weather, so basil will not survive through the winter in most areas. However, if you live in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, basil can survive as a perennial.
If you’re in a cooler region, basil will die with the first frost. In these zones, basil plants thrive during the hot summer and will produce lush leaves through late spring and early fall.
Basil thrives in warm, sunny conditions, with temperatures ranging between 70°F to 90°F (21°C–32°C). The lowest temperature basil can survive is around 40°F (4°C), and anything colder can damage or kill the plant.
Basil plants can take the summer heat and some dry conditions, but will begin to suffer if they do not get adequate water in extreme heat.
Common Basil Pests:
The most common basil pests are the typical garden foilage culprits- Japanese beetles, aphids, and slugs. There are other pests who will occasionally nibble on basil leaves, but basil is not typically bothered by too many pests.
While there are organic methods for controlling basil pests such as hand picking bugs into soapy water, using a row cover, spraying neem oil on the leaves, or sprinkling with diatomaceous earth, I never choose to go beyond hand picking off pests on my basil plants. This is mostly because I have never had a major problem with bugs eating my basil, but I also don’t choose to spray culinary basil or (any plants I grow to eat), even with organic methods.
To combat pests naturally, plant a diverse garden that invites beneficial insects and pollinators in to help you maintain a balance between pests and your plants.
Also, consider the life cycle of the pests damaging your plants. If you can plant and harvest your basil before the pests emerge in your area, or wait until their life cycle has ended, you might be able to avoid the pests altogether.
For more information on planting a diverse garden to attract pollinators, check out my full Pollinator Guide here.
Are Basil Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs?
A consideration many pet parents make when adding plants to their landscape or garden is whether it will hurt their pet if they get into it.
When it comes to pets, basil is safe for cats and dogs. Unlike some plants that can be toxic to pets, basil does not pose a danger if your cat or dog if they nibble on it. However, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your young plants to ensure your pet isn’t eating too much.
Are Black Spots on Basil Leaves Safe to Eat?
Black spots on basil leaves can be a sign of fungal diseases like basil downy mildew or black spot disease. While these fungal diseases don’t affect human health, they can reduce the quality of the basil leaves, so it’s best to discard any affected leaves.
Since fungal diseases can spread to other plants, it is not recommended to compost these leaves or leave them in the garden bed with other plants.
Brown spots are often caused by overwatering or poor drainage (which can lead to root rot), both of which can contribute to fungal issues. Make sure the soil remains well-drained and promptly remove any diseased leaves.
Basil much prefers to be on the side of too dry verses too wet. Do not overwater your basil!
Can You Freeze Fresh Basil?
Yes, you can freeze fresh leaves to preserve the fresh basil flavor! Simply coat the leaves in a light coating of olive oil, place in a freezer safe bag, and freeze for 3-6 months. Freezing basil in oil helps maintain its bright green color and fresh summer flavor.
Another option is to make homemade pesto and freeze it (check out my pesto freezing guide here).
What is the Taste Difference Between Fresh Basil vs. Dried Basil
Fresh basil has a more robust and fragrant flavor than dried basil. Dried basil loses much of its aromatic oils during the drying process, making it a milder version of the fresh herb. For the most intense flavor, use fresh basil in cooking.
How to Dry Basil in a Dehydrator
To dry basil in a dehydrator, arrange leaves in a single layer and set the temperature to 95-105°F (35–40°C). Once the leaves are fully dried and crumbly, store them in an airtight container for future use.
How Long Does Fresh Basil Last?
Fresh basil leaves typically last 5–7 days in the fridge, depending on storage. To extend its life, place basil stems in a cup of water like a vase and leave on the counter instead.
