Basil
The aromatic star of Italian cuisine, basil thrives in warmth and sunshine. Best grown from seed or young plants, it provides fragrant leaves perfect for pestos, salads, and garnishes.
Basil seeds
£1.79 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April – May, indoors in trays or pots (18-21°C)
Plant out
Late May – June, after all risk of frost has passed, once plants have 2-3 true leaf pairs
Harvest
June – October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day (can tolerate partial shade in hot summers)
Water
Keep compost consistently moist; avoid overwatering or letting it dry out completely
Soil
Rich, well-draining, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
20–30cm (8–12 inches) between plants
Containers
Excellent in pots on a sunny windowsill, patio, or greenhouse
Indoors
Ideal for UK climate, especially on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse/conservatory
Care and harvest
Feeding
A weak liquid feed every 2-3 weeks once plants are established encourages bushy growth
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering. Remove flower stalks immediately.
Harvesting
Pinch off individual leaves or snip off stems just above a leaf node, encouraging new growth
Storage
Use fresh. Store picked leaves wrapped in damp paper towel in the fridge for a few days, or make pesto and freeze.
Good companions: Tomatoes, Chillies, Oregano