How To Grow Sweet Basil From Seed

A tomato plant center growing alongside basil.

How to grow sweet basil from seed - The first time to do this is when the plants get to be about 6 inches high when it has between 3 5 sets of leaves. The steps outlined in this guide work for all types of basil seeds. They should grow to about 12 to 24 inches in height. When learning how to grow basil from seed you should almost always start your process indoors.

Here s a look at how to plant and grow basil seeds. Fill seedling trays with fine potting soil or seedling mix. You want to first start by filling your 3 inches pot 80 full with your potting mix. Grow basil in well drained fertile soil in a warm sheltered position out of direct midday sun.

The best part is that once you learn how to grow the seeds you ll be able to start any variety you want. Tomatoes make great neighbors for basil plants in the garden and on the plate. Place 2 3 seeds per seedling container. Growing basil from seed.

The first set of leaves you see will be the cotyledon or seed leaves those don t count will fall off as your plant grows. Types of basil seeds to grow. For larger varieties plant farther apart about 16 to 24 inches. Cover them with a bit of soil wrap the container in plastic wrap and place it in a sunny window.

Start your seeds off in pots of moist peat free multi purpose compost on a warm but not sunny windowsill. The next set of leaves to grow are called the true leaves. To get a quality crop that lasts from early spring to mid autumn it s best to grow basil in a container. Begin planting sweet basil seeds 4 6 weeks before the date of the average last frost in your area.

Plant seeds seedlings about inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. How to plant basil. You will want to start your basil seeds inside approximately 12 weeks before you plan on moving your basil into your garden or moving your larger container.