Basil care
Ocimum basilicum needs direct sun. Check the soil before you water.
This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.
Add to my plantsCare at a glance
- Botanical name
- Ocimum basilicum
- Other names
- Sweet basil
- Light
- Direct sun. Put it in a sunny south window with 6 or more hours of sun. Or use a grow light.
- Soil check
- Every 2 to 4 days in the growing season. The app learns the real time.
- Humidity
- Medium humidity
- Feeding
- Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer. Do not feed in winter.
How to check the soil of Basil
How does the soil feel 2 to 3 cm below the top?
Push a finger 2 to 3 cm into the soil. Feel if it is dry, damp or wet.
- Dry: no soil sticks to your finger. Water the plant.
- Damp: a little soil sticks to your finger. It feels cool. Do not water yet.
- Wet: soil sticks to your finger and feels soggy, or you see water. Do not water. Check the drainage.
Do not water on a fixed day. Test the soil first. Read the soil check guide.
Soil mix
Use a rich potting soil that drains well.
Tips for Basil
- Pinch off flower buds. Flowers make the leaves less sweet and the plant stops growing.
- Cut stems just above a pair of leaves. Two new stems grow from there.
- Wilted leaves mean thirst. Water the plant well and they recover fast.
- Black leaves come from cold air below 10 C. Keep the plant warm.
Pet safety
Not toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from pets that chew plants.
ASPCA: Basil