A popular herb in both the kitchen and the garden, basil is one of the most well-known herbs grown in America. Technically known as Ocimum basilicum, basil can be found growing indoors and outdoors for use in a wide variety of dishes. One of the first herbs I plant in the spring, basil is easy to grow and perfect for tucking into herb, vegetable and container gardens.
Basil plants are a popular herb native to southern Asia and the islands of the South Pacific. This member of the mint family can be grown with little fuss. Considered a tender annual, the basil herb plant produces aromatic leaves that are commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Basil seeds are also a popular Thai ingredient.
Because basil is an annual, it grows extremely quickly. In fact, it can go from seed to harvest in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. This quick and easy-growing herb is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Growing a healthy and productive basil plant starts with proper spacing. Giving your basil adequate space allows it to thrive and prevents common problems like disease, pests, and stunted growth. When planning your herb garden or containers, keep these spacing guidelines in mind for the best harvest.
Why Spacing Matters
Spacing out your basil plants is crucial for the following reasons
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It enables strong, expansive root development. Basil plants that are crowded have tangled, stunted roots. This leads to poor nutrient and water uptake.
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Prevents disease and pests. Crowded plants create a prime humid environment for fungi and insects. Common issues like powdery mildew, aphids, and whiteflies develop.
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Allows proper air circulation and sun exposure. With enough space each plant gets sunlight and breezes. This avoids mold while producing more flavorful leaves.
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Reduces competition for resources. Too close together, basil competes for water, nutrients, and root space. This stunts growth and reduces yields.
Recommended Basil Spacing
The ideal basil spacing depends on the variety. More compact types need less room than larger, bushy plants.
General guidelines:
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At minimum, space basil plants 12 inches apart
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Dwarf varieties: 6-8 inches apart
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Full size varieties: 18-24 inches apart
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Rows of basil: 18-24 inches apart
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Container basil: Leave enough room to spread out
Tips for Proper Basil Spacing
Follow these tips for great basil spacing:
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Measure garden space prior to planting. Account for mature plant sizes.
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Use a ruler or tape measure to space plants accurately.
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For pots, choose an appropriately sized container for each plant.
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Check basil as it grows. Thin or transplant if crowded.
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Give more space than seems necessary. Basil grows quickly!
Companion Planting
Certain vegetables and herbs make great basil companions in the garden.
Recommended companions:
- Tomatoes – Enhances flavor, deters pests
- Bell peppers – Repels aphids and ants
- Chilies – Improves growth
- Oregano – Increases oil production
- Beets – Helps flavor
- Marigolds – Deters nematodes and beetles
- Beans – Fixes nitrogen
- Asparagus – Suppresses weeds
- Petunias – Attracts pollinators
Avoid planting near:
- Rue – Stunts growth
- Cucumbers – Inhibits nutrient uptake
- Anise – Lowers essential oil content
Container Basil Spacing
For container gardening, proper spacing prevents overcrowding. Some tips:
- Choose a pot at least 12 inches wide for 1 plant
- Use larger containers for multiple basil plants
- Allow at least 12 inches between plants
- For small pots, opt for dwarf basil varieties
- Ensure the container has drainage holes
- Position pots in full sun
Troubleshooting Spacing Issues
If your basil displays these problems, inadequate spacing may be the cause:
- Stunted growth
- Leggy or weak stems
- Small leaves
- Lack of flowers and seeds
- Yellowing leaves
- Wilting
- Disease or pests
Thin crowded plants or re-pot into larger containers. Monitor soil moisture and fertilize if needed.
Spacing for Maximum Yields
With proper spacing, your basil will thrive and reach its full harvest potential. This allows for higher yields over a longer season.
Space plants according to variety size for healthy roots, adequate resources, and good air flow. Basil can grow quite large under the right conditions, so don’t be afraid to give it room!
With these simple spacing guidelines, you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, productive basil garden this season.
How to Harvest Basil
Basil isnt harvested at a specific time – you generally just grab a few leaves as you need them. However, harvesting regularly will keep your basil rounded and less leggy. It will also help keep your plant from going to seed.
Harvest basil regularly. Even if you dont need it, keep harvesting consistently throughout the growing season. Aim for removing 1/3 of the leaves each month to encourage new growth. I add basil to many dishes during the summer, but I also find it freezes well in olive oil for use during the winter.
Snip the stem just above the point where two large leaves meet. I keep a pair of Fiskars snips tucked in my garden apron to create clean and tidy cuts whenever Im harvesting basil. Make sure to enjoy your harvest with a fresh recipe of your choice!
There are so many varieties of basil available, it would be easy to fill your entire herb garden with just basil. Here are a few of my favorites:
A favorite variety that is the basil sold in most grocery stores. This variety features medium-green leaves with a slightly rounded shape.
Featuring smaller, pointed leaves, Thai basil grows the same as any other variety, but you end up with a bit spicier leaf that keeps its flavor well for use in stir fry. The purple flowers are beautiful and edible.
While this variety doesnt have a strong flavor, but it gives a gorgeous burgundy color to both your garden and dishes.
Both have a bright citrus flavor and can be used in a variety of marinades, sauces, desserts and teas.
This variety looks nothing like traditional basil. The beautifully-ruffled leaves are mild and go well in salads.
This small, mounding basil is the perfect variety for small spaces and containers. Although the leaves are smaller than other basil varieties, they are full of basil flavor.
Common Questions About Basil
Basil germinates in 7 to 10 days after planting. Its usually ready for harvest within 3 to 4 weeks.
There could be a few reasons why youre seeing your basil plant wilting. Start by checking the soil. Basil prefers moist soil – not too wet and not too dry. You want the soil to be damp, not drenched. Although basil loves warm weather, a hot midday sun can be rather harsh. If you see wilting only during the peak hours for summer temperatures, you may need to add light shade over your basil plant.
Basil 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.
Basil is a hardy herb that grows extremely well both indoors and outdoors. As long as the plant receives the proper moisture and sunlight, it will thrive in any location. I grow basil in containers both inside and outside, and I also love to tuck it into my vegetable garden boxes. Once you know how to grow basil in a pot, the possibilities for where and how you grow it are endless.
You can air dry basil by bundling it and hanging it upside down. However, the leaves will turn brown. I prefer to freeze my basil by chopping it, placing it in an ice cube tray, covering it with olive oil. Once my basil cubes are frozen, I store them in an airtight container in my freezer. When I need a bit of basil in a dish, I simply add a cube or two.
How to Prune Basil So It Grows Forever!
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