Plant Specifications

Basil Plant Care

1. Water regularly – basil plant likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week.
2. Fertilize lightly –basil is a vigorous grower requiring very little to no fertilization.
3. Pinch back leaves – pinch leaves from the tips of your basil as soon as the plant has two sets of true leaves.

Light Requirement

• Basil plant grows best with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day.
• Part of knowing how to care for basil is watching the sun patterns in the location you are growing this aromatic herb.
• With proper sunlight, your plant will be big and beautiful for several months out of the year.

Soil

• Basil plant does its best in well-drained, moist soil with a neutral pH.
• I add a rich compost to the soil at the beginning of the season.
• Not much more soil amendment is necessary.
• In fact, if the soil is too rich, basil loses some of its flavor intensity.

Watering

• Water regularly – basil plant likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week.
• Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist.
• Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering.

Application of Fertilizer

•  Compost or rotted animal manure into the top 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20.5 cm.) at planting time.
• If you think the plants need a little extra help, you can use a very light application of a dry fertilizer once or twice during the growing season

Re-potting

• Fill the pot no more than half full of potting soil, slightly bringing it up the sides of the pot.
• Gently press the soil to help it stay in place, and then lightly, but thoroughly, moisten the soil with water.
• Before repotting any herb, it’s important to carefully prepare the plant’s root ball.

Basil Plant Uses