Basil: An Herb Society of America Guide
Indoor Cultivation
Light
When growing basil indoors, whether starting seeds for transplant or maintaining an indoor basil collection, your chances of success will increase if you can simulate the sun with grow lights. Cool white or warm white fluorescent tubes on a timer work best (24). There are different theories about the best use of lights. Susan Belsinger recommends 16 hours on and 8 hours off in the winter, noting that placing mylar or aluminum foil over the light source can increase light reflection (8). Mark Langan suggests 12-16 hours on (51). There are even some commercial growers who use 24-hour lights for high yields (79). If you have a greenhouse, like Madalene Hill, Gwen Barclay and James Adams, you won't need lights. If you do use fluorescent lights, they should be placed about 2-3 inches above seedlings (24, 84). Keep in mind that lights should only be used after germination.
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