How to Grow Amazing Basil Plants

Although basil is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow, we get a lot of questions about its cultivation from our home gardener customers.

Here in California, inexperienced gardeners often make the mistake of planting basil a bit too early in the springtime, and the plants languish and die. Basil is susceptible to fusarium wilt, a seed and soil borne disease that is tricky to control. Over watering can contribute to its spread, as well as planting too early in our cool, moist springs.

Wait for April or May, depending on the prevailing weather pattern, to plant basil seedlings in your garden. If you’ve had problems growing basil in the past, plant the basil starts in a new area with rich, well-draining soil using a slow release organic fertilizer.

Water deeply, preferably in the morning, allowing the surface of the soil to dry to about an inch down between waterings. Even in the early stages after transplanting, you must be careful not to over water. Also, choosing fusarium resistant varieties and feeding regularly will help boost the plant’s vigor.

Later, when the basil plants are well-established and the summer warms up, be sure to water regularly, but give the plants a good, deep soak. Give the plants a nitrogen boost and keep the flowers pinched back to promote full plants with lush foliage.