How to Grow Basil From Seed: A Complete Growing Guide

Written by: Luke Marion

Published on January 27, 2023

Updated on May 8, 2026

Basil is a popular, fragrant herb used to enhance so many dishes. If you’ve ever tasted sweet basil, Thai basil, or holy basil, I’m sure you know why it's a culinary favorite!

A man demonstrating how to grow basil from seed.

But did you know that basil is a great herb for beginners to plant in the garden? It can also be grown effortlessly in a pot or an indoor herb garden. It seems a lot of people out there overcomplicate how to grow basil from seed, so my goal is to help you grow basil easily and successfully!

Unbe-leaf-ably Good

Herbs are delicious and offer many great health benefits, but have you ever considered growing them at home? Herbs and spices are among the most profitable crops, yet many are unbelievably simple to grow!

If you’re ready to learn how to grow herbs and spices easily, you don’t want to miss these other complete growing guides on how to grow lavender, how to grow catnip, how to grow borage, how to grow saffron, how to grow ginger, and how to grow horseradish.

Varieties of Basil

There are so many varieties of basil, around 60 varieties in all! Some of the most common include Genovese basil, Thai basil, lemon basil, and Holy basil. It is loved for its vibrant, herbaceous flavor in soups, salads, on pizza, in Italian cooking, in Thai and Indian curries, and even in tea!

Basil has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in India and was brought to other parts of the world by traders and travelers. It was also used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Benefits of Growing Basil

A lot of people prefer to buy fresh basil from the store, which totally confuses me because it is so expensive! We’re talking a couple of sprigs for $3!

You’ll think that is ridiculous, too, when you see how much basil you can grow from a $2 seed packet! Plus, basil hardly requires any maintaining; you just need to follow a few simple care tips to maximize health and production.

How to Grow Basil From Seed

You can start basil from seed or purchase seedlings from a garden center. I recommend starting the seeds indoors and then transplanting them out into the garden later. (Use this guide to learn how to start seeds indoors.)

Basil should be started indoors 4 to 5 weeks before your last estimated frost date and basil seeds should be sown about ¼ inch deep. To learn the last estimated frost date for your area, enter your zip code into the Farmers Almanac First and Last Frost Dates page.

How to Plant Basil

When you’re ready to plant out your basil seedlings, follow these instructions.

Sunlight - Basil isn’t particular about sunlight. That’s what makes it good for an indoor herb garden in a sunny windowsill or a shadier part of a garden. It will do fine with just 4-5 hours of daily sun, but it can also thrive with up to 10 or 11 hours.
Soil - Basil grows best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Mix in compost to improve the soil's fertility. Pro-Tip: If you're growing basil in a pot, choose one that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes.
Planting - Harden off seedlings, then plant them about 8 inches apart.
Fertilizing - Basil plants do not need fertilizing, but they will benefit from additional nitrogen. I give all my plants Trifecta+, and basil is no exception.
Watering - Practice consistent, deep watering once a week or once every two weeks, but do not let basil become waterlogged. Some varieties are more drought-tolerant than others, but no basil likes to be overwatered. It will struggle and show signs of root rot easily if overwatered, so ensure the soil drains well. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Pruning Basil

You need to prune basil to get bushier, better basil and more harvests. It will form flowers and bolt quickly, and you must remove the flowers to continue growing it for leafy growth. Once a plant produces seed, the plant will stop growing and begin to die.

To prune basil, simply pinch off all the little flower stalks to prevent it from going to seed, and prune off the new leafy growth. Only prune off up to 1/3 of the plant at a time.

How to Harvest Basil

Harvesting herbs isn't too complicated. You can start harvesting basil leaves when the plant reaches about 6 inches tall. Don't take more than 1/3 of the plant at a time.

The leaves can be used fresh or dried. Basil flowers are also edible and super delicious! Check out the recipe below for candied basil flowers and leaves.

At the end of the season, when there is frost threatening, simply cut the entire plant off and bring it indoors to dry. Use this guide to learn how to dry herbs.

Pro-Tip: It is very easy to propagate basil. All you have to do is stick some cuttings in a cup of water for a week or two until you see roots form, then transplant them into soil. Free plants!

Simple Basil Recipes

Now that you know how to grow basil for seed at home, you can try these amazing basil recipes!

Basil Tea

To make a simply delicious cup of basil tea, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves, and steep for about 5-10 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.

Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove the basil leaves, sweeten it with honey to taste, and enjoy!

Candied Basil Flowers & Leaves

Candied basil flowers can be used as a garnish for desserts, such as cakes, ice cream, or yogurt. They can also be used to decorate cocktails or other drinks. They add a delicate sweetness and a unique basil flavor that complements many sweet dishes!

Follow these simple instructions to make candied basil:

Harvest - Pick fresh basil flowers or leaves and gently rinse them in cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Egg Whites - Beat egg whites in a small bowl until they are frothy.
Dip - Dip each basil flower into the egg whites, making sure that it is fully coated.
Coat - Sprinkle powdered sugar over the basil flowers, shaking off any excess.
Dry - Place the basil flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the basil flowers and leaves dry for at least an hour, or until they are completely dry.
Store - Once dry, they can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for a week or so.

Thai Basil Lemongrass Soup

Thai basil soup, also known as "Tom Kha Gai," is a popular and flavorful Thai soup that is made with chicken, coconut milk, and a variety of herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

4 cups of chicken broth
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 can of coconut milk
2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
2 kaffir lime leaves
2-3 bird's eye chilies, sliced
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
2-3 tablespoons of fish sauce
2-3 tablespoons of lime juice
2-3 tablespoons of palm sugar or brown sugar
1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, garlic, and ginger to a boil.
2. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar or brown sugar.
4. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Remove the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves from the soup.
6. Stir in the Thai basil leaves and cook for just a minute.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.