Whatever your palate craves, there's sure to be a basil cultivar to satisfy it. If you're an adventurous gardener and cook, rotate different types through your garden each year and explore the rainbow of fresh, earthy flavors that this versatile annual herb offers. Favorite basil cultivars include sweet, Italian, Greek and purple.
Growing Basil
Sowing Guide |
|
| When to sow indoors | 4-6 weeks before last frost |
| When to sow outdoors | Spring to late summer (warm regions) |
| Seed depth | 1/8" |
| Germination soil temperature | 75° – 85°F |
| Germination length | 7-10 days |
| When to transplant | 5-7 weeks |
| Varieties |
Lemon (citrus flavored) Christmas (extra flavorful) Profumo (disease resistant) |
Growing Guide |
|
| pH range | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Soil temperature | 75° – 85°F |
| Spacing | 4" – 8" |
| Watering | Light and even |
| Light | Full sun |
| Nutrient requirements |
N = low P = low K = low |
| Fertilizer schedule | Usually not necessary |
| When to harvest | Whenever leaves are large enough to use |
Looking for more information and inspiration?
Check out these tips for growing basil.
