Sowing and growing basil in pots and gardens

Sowing depth: approximately 0.3 cm. You can cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting soil if desired. Basil seeds need light to germinate well; a thin layer of potting soil helps prevent drying out.

Sowing distance: 5 cm between seeds, suitable for all pot sizes. Sow two seeds per planting hole and thin them out later to the best plants.

Germination temperature & germination time: 21–29°C (70–85°F). At the right temperature and humidity, the seeds will germinate in about 5–10 days. Germination and sprouting begins as soon as the seeds receive sufficient warmth and moisture.

Planting distance: plant out the entire seed pot. In open ground, leave about 25 cm of space around the plants, or plant them in a large pot.

Plant out: when the plant has 2 true leaves, plant it in a large pot; when the plant has 6 true leaves, plant it outside in the open ground.

Growth cycle: approximately 125 days.

Sowing indoors/under glass: You can sow basil on the windowsill in early spring, for example, in March. Sowing basil early extends the harvest period. Ideally, sow in April–May, transplant the pre-sown plants in May–June, and harvest from July through October.

Sowing directly: From mid-May, once the risk of night frost has passed, you can sow basil outdoors in the ground. This can be done until July. Harvesting can then take place from August to October.