Nothing beats the smell of fresh basil growing in your kitchen. Add a handful to your salad, sprinkle over pasta, or add a little to your homemade sauce and it’s one of those herbs that instantly elevates your meal.
But if you’ve ever tried growing basil outdoors, you know the struggle. Just when you get used to picking fresh leaves, autumn arrives and the cold weather wipes out the plants. I have good news. Basil can be grown indoors year-round, so you’ll always have fresh leaves available, no matter the season.
Growing basil indoors is actually very easy and very rewarding. With a simple setup and a few top tips, you can grow basil at home, whether on a sunny windowsill or in a pot on your tabletop.
Find out what you need to know to keep basil happy indoors, from choosing the right variety to the optimal amount of light, water, and care.
Best basil varieties to grow indoors
Not all basil varieties are suitable for indoor conditions, so it’s important to choose varieties that can grow indoors where space and light are limited.
Genovese Basil: Known for its large leaves and classic flavor, Genovese is one of the best choices for cooking. This is a slightly larger variety, so make sure you have enough space in the pot. Spicy Globe Basil: This compact, rounded basil variety is perfect for small indoor spaces and produces dense foliage with a slightly spicy flavor. Greek Basil: Known for its small, dark-flavored leaves and compact growth, Greek basil is perfect for your kitchen windowsill. Lemon Basil: With its unique citrus aroma, lemon basil adds a zesty flavor to teas, drinks, and dishes, making it perfect for adventurous cooks. Thai basil: This variety has purple stems and an anise-like flavor that makes a great addition to indoor gardens. Slightly more tolerant of indoor conditions than other varieties.
Choosing the right basil variety not only ensures healthy growth indoors, but also allows you to tailor the plant’s flavor profile to your cooking needs.
What you need to grow basil indoors
Creating the right environment for basil indoors starts with having the right materials.
Container: Basil grows best in pots at least 6 to 8 inches deep with adequate drainage holes. Clay pots help prevent overwatering by evaporating excess water. Soil: Choose high-quality, well-drained potting soil. Avoid garden soil as it is too dense and can trap water. Seeds or cuttings: Starting from seeds is more cost-effective, but cuttings from established plants can give you a head start. Light source: Natural sunlight is ideal, but if it’s not available, full-spectrum LED grow lights can mimic the effect of sunlight. Fertilizer: To promote growth, we recommend a balanced water-soluble fertilizer or an organic fertilizer such as compost tea. Fertilizing every 4 to 6 weeks will provide nutrients without stressing the plants. Humidifier: Basil plants prefer humidity levels of 40-60%, so it helps to have a small humidifier or humidity tray nearby. Watering can or spray bottle: Basil requires constant moisture, so using a small watering can or spray bottle allows you to control the amount of watering.
How to grow basil from seeds?
Growing basil indoors from seeds is easy and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Prepare a seed tray or small pot: Fill a small seed-starting tray or pot with well-drained potting soil, leaving a little space at the top. Plant the seeds: Sow 2-3 seeds per section or small pot. Cover them lightly with about 1/8 inch of soil. Moisten the soil: Using a spray bottle, gently mist the soil. Make sure it’s moist but not soggy. Provide warmth and light: Basil seeds germinate best between 70 and 75 degrees F. A heat mat for seedlings will speed up germination. Place the pot in a sunny spot or under a grow light for at least 12 to 16 hours per day. Thin seedlings: After germination (usually 5 to 10 days), thin out weak seedlings and leave the strongest seedlings to grow. Ideally, each pot should contain one seedling for optimal growth. Transplanting: Once the seedlings reach 3 to 4 inches tall and have at least two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots with fresh soil.
Growing basil from cuttings
Growing basil from cuttings is a faster method than seeds, with benefits such as faster harvest and stronger plants.
Take cuttings: Select healthy basil stems from your existing plants, ideally 4 to 5 inches long. Cut just below the leaf node. Remove the lower leaves: Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings, leaving only the top few leaves to prevent them from rotting in the water. Place in water: Place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the nodes are submerged. Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh. Root Formation: Roots will begin to grow from the cut nodes in about a week. Make sure the roots reach at least 1 to 2 inches before transplanting. Transfer to soil: Once rooted, plant the cuttings in a pot filled with well-drained soil, water lightly and place in a sunny spot.
Basil plant growth requirements
To successfully grow basil indoors, you need to mimic its natural environment as closely as possible.
light requirements
Basil requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight or 12 to 16 hours under full-spectrum LED grow lights. South-facing windows are ideal, but grow lights can supplement natural light when the days are short or low light levels.
temperature and humidity
Ideal temperature: Basil prefers temperatures between 70 and 85°F. Keep indoor basil away from drafts, air conditioning, or windows with large temperature fluctuations. Humidity: Basil grows best in moderate humidity levels of 40-60%. In dry indoor environments, use a humidifying tray or mist the leaves occasionally.
watering
Basil grows in consistently moist soil, but its roots cannot tolerate wet conditions. Depending on your indoor climate, you should usually water your plant two or three times a week, when the top of the soil feels dry. Be sure to drain excess water that collects in the saucer under the pot to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4 to 6 weeks. Too much fertilizer will dilute the taste and aroma of the basil leaves, so please use it sparingly. Organic options like fish emulsion and seaweed extract are plant-friendly.
Basil plant growth problems
Even under careful indoor conditions, basil plants can encounter several problems. Common problems and solutions include:
Yellow leaves: This is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Check soil moisture and avoid overwatering. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Leg growth: indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a sunnier spot or provide additional grow light. Pests: Indoor basil plants can attract aphids, spider mites, and mushroom gnats. Inspect plants weekly and treat for pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spot disease: Basil is susceptible to fungal infections in humid, poorly ventilated environments. Ensure good air circulation and avoid getting the leaves wet when watering.
How to repot basil?
Repotting your basil gives your plant more space to grow and renews the nutrients in your soil.
Choose a new pot: Choose a pot that’s about 2 inches wider in diameter than the current one and has drainage holes. Add new soil: Fill the new pot about one-third full with well-drained potting soil. Carefully remove the plant: Gently remove the basil plant from its old pot, loosening the root ball slightly. Plant in a new pot: Place the basil in the center of the new pot and fill around the root ball with new soil. Press gently to secure the plant. Water thoroughly: Water the plant to settle the soil and ensure excess water drains out.
How to care for basil plants indoors in winter?
In winter, indoor basil requires special attention.
Additional light: Shorter days mean less natural sunlight, so supplement with full-spectrum grow lights. Reduce watering: Because basil grows slowly, it doesn’t need much water in winter. Check soil moisture regularly and water only when the top is dry. Humidity: Use a humidifier or mist your plants occasionally to offset the dry indoor air caused by your heating system. Protect from drafts: Basil is sensitive to cold drafts, so avoid placing it near windows or doors where temperatures can drop overnight.
FAQ
Q: Can basil live indoors all year round?
A: Yes, basil can be grown indoors year-round with proper light, warmth, and humidity.
Q: How often should I harvest basil?
A: Regular harvesting will encourage bush growth. Start harvesting when the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall and have several sets of leaves.
Q: What soil is best for basil?
A: Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix. Avoid dense garden soil, as indoor basil requires too much moisture.
conclusion
Growing basil indoors year-round means you’ll have fresh, fragrant herbs whenever you need them. With the right type, conditions, and care, you can keep your basil plant healthy indoors. Whether you start from seeds or cuttings, these tips will help you enjoy fresh basil in your kitchen and add greenery to your indoor space.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, enjoys gardening and homesteading. Join us on this blog where he shares his experiences with home growing, gardening, and composting.
