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An illustration of green basil leaves on a beige background.

Basil

SCENTIFIC NAME: Ocimum basilicum

TYPES OF BASlL: Sweet Italian Basil, Genovese Basil, Thai Sweet Basil, Lemon Basil, Purple Basil

PLANT FAMILY: Mint Family (Lamiaceae)

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Asia | Tropical & Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: Basil is a very fragrant herb recognized for its vivid green leaves and unique flavor. It is a member of the mint family and is commonly seen in meals from Southeast Asia, Italy, and other Mediterranean regions.

moderate difficulty & pet safe

Basil Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

For basil to thrive when cultivated inside, it needs lots of direct sunlight. Put your basil plant somewhere that gets at least 6 to 8 hours each day of bright, direct sunlight. Artificial grow lights, such LED lights, can be used to supplement natural light if it is insufficient. To provide uniform lighting and stop the basil plant from tilting to one side, rotate it frequently. Optimal lighting conditions will encourage strong leaf development, improve the flavor of the leaves, and guarantee a plentiful crop of fresh basil indoors.

Lighting Recommendations

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

It's important to strike a balance between supplying enough moisture and avoiding overwatering while watering basil. When the top inch of soil seems just a little bit dry to the touch, water the basil thoroughly. If you want to avoid waterlogging, make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Avoid letting the plant linger in standing water and allow any extra water drain entirely. It's crucial to remember that while basil might be sensitive to too much moisture, it prefers slightly moist soil. As a general rule, water your indoor basil plants once or twice a week, varying the amount according to the temperature, humidity, and size of the container. Keep an eye on the soil's moisture content and alter the watering schedule as necessary. To avoid root rot and other water-related problems, always keep in mind that it is preferable to gently submerge basil rather than overwater it. You may encourage healthy growth and ensure the general wellbeing of your indoor basil plants by upholding regular watering procedures.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 85º

When grown indoors, basil does best in warm climates. Basil grows best indoors in a temperature range of 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). Keep basil away from drafts and chilly areas because it is susceptible to cold temperatures and frost, you'll know this is happening if you see dry, flaky leaves. The stability of the temperature must be kept within the ideal range for the plant to grow and produce. Basil should not be exposed to excessive temperature changes or placed next to radiators or air conditioning vents or other sources of hot or cold. Temperature control is cirticial for the basil plant.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

When grown indoors, basil likes a moderate amount of humidity. For basil, a humidity range of about 40% to 60% is ideal. It's best to avoid situations that are too dry or humid. You can use a humidifier or put a tray of water next to the basil plants to increase the humidity. For the purpose of avoiding excessive humidity and fungus problems, adequate air circulation is also crucial. Using a hygrometer, regularly check the humidity levels and make adjustments as necessary to keep them within the ideal range.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Stem cuttings are an easy way to multiply basil, making them the perfect choice for growing your collection of basil plants. Choose a robust basil plant to propagate to avoid killing a weak plant as propagation is stressful for the plant. Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting just below a node using clean, well-kept scissors or pruning shears. Leave a couple of leaves at the top after removing the lower leaves. To promote the growth of roots, dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone (optional). Make sure that at least one or two nodes are buried in the soil when you plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. Put the cutting somewhere warm and well-lit, but keep it out of direct sunshine. New growth and the emergence of roots should occur within a few weeks, be patient! The cutting can be transplanted to a bigger container or the garden once it has developed roots and is actively developing. Basil cuttings can grow quickly if given an ideal environment, so if you're good you'll have plenty of pizza garnish for years to come.
Toxicity
Basil is delicious for people when included in a pizza or pasta sauce and it is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. In fact, several pet diets and treats frequently contain basil as an ingredient. But it's always crucial to gradually introduce new meals or herbs and watch your pet's reaction. Animals, like people, can still have issues with or an aversion to a new food especially if they aren't used to eating it. Another important note is that cats and dogs can have allergies to basil.
Repotting
When it comes to repotting basil, following optimal practices ensures a successful transition and continued growth. Choose a larger pot that has drainage holes so that it can hold the expanding plant. Water the basil well before repotting to help break up the root ball and make it easier to remove from the previous container. Lift the basil plant out of its container gently, being careful not to harm its roots. To settle the soil and hydrate the plant, water the newly replanted basil. Put the pot somewhere that gets plenty of bright, indirect light. Keep an eye out for symptoms of stress in the basil and change the frequency of watering as necessary to maintain a constantly moist but not soggy soil. You can encourage strong root development, avoid transplant shock, and give your basil plant the best growing conditions by according to these repotting best practices.
Seeding
To start growing basil from seeds, begin by filling a seed tray or small pots with seed-starting mix. Gently press the basil seeds into the soil, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and mist the surface with water. Place the tray or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist by misting it regularly or using a spray bottle. Within 7-14 days, you should start to see the basil seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or a garden bed. Remember to provide them with plenty of sunlight and water regularly
Pruning
Pruning the basil plant helps to foster bushier growth, prevent legginess, and increase yield. Allow the basil plant to reach a height of around 6 inches or when it has produced several sets of leaves before starting, you always want to propagate a healthy plant and a healthy section of that plant. Trim the basil stems slightly above a leaf node with clean scissors or pruning shears while cutting at a small slant. To promote lateral branching, pay special attention to pruning off any lanky stems or the uppermost growth. To avoid flowering, regularly pinch off the uppermost leaves or stem tips since this can result in less leaf growth. Regular leaf collection is a sort of pruning that promotes continued development. To prevent stressing the basil plant, never cut more than one-third of the plant at once. Throughout the growing season, you may keep a basil plant compact and productive by engaging in routine and intentional trimming.
Fertilizer
Proper fertilization of basil can encourage robust growth and improve flavor. Before planting, start by adding organic matter or compost to the soil to add initial nutrients. Apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season once the basil has established. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant after diluting it in accordance with the directions on the package, keeping it away from the foliage. As an alternative, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer in accordance with the directions on the package. Keep an eye out for any indications of nutrient excess or shortage in the basil plant and modify the fertilizer treatment as necessary. Remember to water before fertilizing to assist the nutrient distribution and avoid fertilizer burn.
Soil
Basil flourishes in organically rich, well-draining soil. Basil grows best in loamy, fertile soil that contains a healthy proportion of sand, silt, and clay. This kind of soil retains just the right amount of moisture for the plant's needs while allowing for efficient water drainage. To increase the soil's fertility and nutrient content, add organic compost or manure before planting basil. This improves the soil's capacity to hold onto moisture and supply vital nutrients for strong development. To make sure that the basil plants have the best possible access to nutrients, aim for a pH level that is neutral to slightly acidic, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. Regularly check the soil's moisture content and refrain from overwatering because too much moisture can cause root rot and other problems.

Hanging Heights

Basil Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Basil

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 48"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Basil

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 60"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 36"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Basil

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 66"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 48"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Basil

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Basil

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 8" to 18"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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