40 seeds
Ready in 80 days
Planting companions: Tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers
Basil grows well indoors, in pots, or directly in the garden.
Start your basil seeds about 4 weeks before the last expected ground frost. Sow them just below the surface of the soil and maintain a fairly high ambient temperature to speed up germination. Once all risk of frost has passed, transplant them 16'' apart. Provide rich, moist, and well-drained soil, but be sure to water it frequently as it needs it! Pruning the plant is necessary because it will start to wilt and die if the plant flowers.
When the basil reaches a height of 6 to 8'', you can harvest the leaves. Fresh basil will keep for several days at room temperature, with the stems in a glass of water; if refrigerated, it tends to wilt and turn brown. It can also be frozen or dried.