Basil: An Herb Society of America Guide

Indoor Cultivation

Starting Seed Indoors

Growing basil indoors is challenging but not impossible. Even if you are planning on transplanting to your outdoor garden, you may want to get a head start and compensate for unruly spring weather by starting seeds indoors. Generally, seeds should be started about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. According to James Adams, a common mistake made by gardeners is starting plants too early. Plants get leggy and must recuperate; it is better to start later so plants are smaller before being moved outside (1).

Most basils take 8-14 days to germinate (72, 79). To start seeds, use plug trays, flats or small cells. Author, lecturer and HSA member, Susan Belsinger, prefers using cells and planting two seeds per cell, because the slightly larger cell means one less repotting step. Seed can be planted extremely shallowly or even simply placed on top of the soil and wetted (8, 84). Madalene Hill and Gwen Barclay like to add seeds to soil that has been pre-moistened to prevent seeds from being "washed around" (45). Seeds should remain wet in order for germination to take place (8, 84). After sowing seeds, cover your cells with plastic and keep in a warm, dark place. (24, 38, 62, 84). In warmer climates, newspaper can be used to cover seeds. If you are using plastic, make sure cells are only loosely covered (45). See the Containers section for information on what type of pots will support your basil as it grows. 

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