Caring for Your Basil Plant in a Pot: A Complete Guide

Growing basil in containers is a great way to have fresh herbs right at your fingertips. The aromatic, flavorful leaves of basil pair perfectly with tomatoes, pasta, pesto and more. With the right care, basil thrives in pots and planters, making it easy to harvest throughout the season. Follow this complete guide to get your container basil off to a great start and keep it healthy all season long.

Choosing the Right Pot for Basil

While basil can grow in almost any container with drainage holes some pots work better than others. Here are pot ideas to consider

• Clay pots These classic terracotta pots allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate from the sides This prevents soggy soil A 6-8 inch pot is ideal for one basil plant.

• Plastic pots: Affordable and lightweight, plastic pots come in many colors. Make sure yours has drainage holes. Darker colors absorb heat, which basil likes.

• Self-watering pots: For constant moisture, try a self-watering pot with a water reservoir in the bottom. This ensures the soil doesn’t dry out.

• Raised beds: For multiple basil plants, use a raised bed or planter box at least 12 inches deep. This gives roots more room.

• Vertical towers These systems allow you to grow several plants in a compact vertical space, Just give each plant its own tower opening

No matter what type of container you choose, make sure it has a drainage hole(s). Basil hates soggy roots!

Getting Basil Started in a Pot

You have two options for getting your basil started: planting seeds or buying starter plants. Here’s what to know about each method:

Planting from seed:

• Start 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Basil needs warm soil (at least 70°F) to germinate.

• Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in potting mix. Keep moist until sprouts appear.

• Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Transplant outside after hardening off.

Using starter plants:

• Buy 3-4 inch plants after the danger of frost has passed. Look for stocky, green plants without flowers.

• Transplant directly into container with potting mix, burying at the same depth they were growing before.

• Water well and let them adjust to their new pot for a few days before harvesting.

No matter which method you use, give your basil good light, warmth and moisture right from the start. This encourages healthy root development.

Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Basil thrives in a loose, nutrient-rich soil that retains moisture but still drains well. Aim for a mix like:

• 1 part potting soil
• 1 part compost or peat moss
• 1 part perlite or vermiculite

You can also purchase premixed organic potting mixes made for herbs and vegetables. Avoid regular potting soil, as it clumps up and doesn’t drain well.

Before planting, mix in a granular organic fertilizer or compost to provide nutrients. Basil is a heavy feeder!

Giving Your Basil the Right Amount of Sun

A sunny location is key for robust basil growth. Basil needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. More is even better.

If scorching heat is an issue in your climate, provide some shade in the afternoon when the sun is strongest. But aim for as much morning sunshine as possible.

For indoor basil, place pots on a sunny windowsill or grow under artificial lights. Rotate the plants periodically so all sides get sun exposure.

Watering Your Basil Properly

From spring through fall, basil needs about 1 inch of water per week. In hot weather, it may need more. To check soil moisture, stick your finger 1-2 inches into the pot. If dry, it’s time to water.

Tips for watering container basil:

• Water thoroughly until it drips from the bottom drainage holes. This encourages deep roots.

• Avoid shallow watering, which leads to weak shallow roots.

• Water in early morning so leaves have time to dry out during the day, preventing disease.

• Add mulch on top of the soil to retain moisture longer.

• Check pots daily in summer and water when surface is dry. Pots dry out faster than garden beds.

• If leaves droop, water immediately and leaves should recover in a few hours.

Fertilizing for Healthy Growth

Even with rich soil, container basil needs regular feeding to reach its full potential. Use an organic liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer. Fish emulsion is ideal, as basil loves nitrogen.

For long term nutrition, sprinkle a granular organic fertilizer over the soil once a month. Espoma Plant-tone works well for herbs.

If lower leaves yellow, that’s a sign to increase fertilizer. But avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage roots or leaves.

Pinching Back Basil for Fuller Plants

Pinching back the stem tips prompts bushy, compact growth instead of tall, leggy plants. Pinch back by:

• Using your thumb and index finger, snap off the top few pairs of leaves when stems reach about 6 inches tall.

• Pinch above a set of leaves, not into bare stem, to avoid a stubby look.

• Pinch every 2-3 weeks through summer, and before flowers appear.

• Remove any flowers buds you spot to encourage more leaf growth.

Pinching also gives you leaves to use in cooking! Plus you can dry the leaves or freeze them in oil.

Dealing With Pests and Diseases

Common basil pests include aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs and snails. Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays deter most pests without harming beneficial bugs.

For diseases like leaf spot or wilt, improve airflow and avoid wetting the leaves when watering. Remove affected leaves promptly to limit spreading.

Growing Basil Indoors

As a tropical plant, basil thrives year-round indoors on sunny windowsills. Provide at least 6 hours of sun daily, turning plants periodically for even growth.

Keep indoor air humid around plants. Misting leaves or placing pots on pebble trays filled with water can help boost humidity.

Monitor soil moisture closely, as indoor pots dry out faster. Fertilize monthly to maintain growth in lower indoor light. Pinch back often for bushy plants.

Overwintering Basil

Basil is extremely cold sensitive. Frost will blacken and kill exposed leaves. To overwinter container basil:

• Bring pots inside before temps dip below 40°F. Place in a sunny window.

• Prune plants by half and transition to indoor care. Expect reduced growth until spring.

• Take cuttings in late summer to propagate new plants for insurance.

• Allow your basil to go dormant in winter. Resume watering when new growth appears in spring.

Harvesting Basil for Best Flavor

To ensure your homegrown basil has the best flavor:

• Harvest in the morning after dew dries but before the heat of the day sets in.

• Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts that won’t crush stems.

• Cut stem tops back to just above a set of leaves so the plant regrows.

• Rinse under cool water and pat leaves dry with paper towels before storing.

• Add freshly cut basil at the end of cooking for maximum flavor.

With the right care, your potted basil will reward you with its signature flavor all season long. Follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying pesto, Italian dishes, salads and more with your harvests.