Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Italian Large Leaf Basil

An aromatic leafy herb, Basil is an annual, easy to grow inside or outside. It is mostly known for it’s edible use in recipes for past sauces or pesto. But treated as a cut flower, it also makes a fantastic filler for floral arrangements.

How To Pronounce Ocimum basilicum

The botanical name of Basil is Ocimum basilicum. The Oci sounds like ocean so O-sh-mum and ba, like bath and hard C, so baz-il-i-kum.) You can hear it below.

Growing Basil For Beginners is Easy

Planted at 1/4″ deep, Basil seeds germinate quickly, usually within 5 to 10 days. This helps the beginner experience some joy and excitement. The seeds germinate best when the soil is between 65 and 70 degrees fahrenheit.

Generally, soil temperature is around 10 degrees cooler than room temperature. No need to worry though. If your room is around 70 degrees, place your seeds on top of your refrigerator or near a heat vent. That will usually be enough to get your soil to a good temperature.

Basil is not drought tolerant so make sure that you keep the soil moist. Not soggy, just moist and that your container drains well. I like to water from the bottom allowing the potting mix to soak up the water it needs. Once the potting mix is moist, make sure there is no standing water in the bottom container.

When your seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves, they can be potted up into a larger container. If you are planting outside, you need to wait until after the last frost in your area happens.

Printable Care Guide for Basil

I print and use this guide when starting my seeds. It hangs on the shelving unit and I make notes as needed. You may need to adjust the scale when you print for it to fit on one 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheet. Simply click the printer icon to get started.

Italian Large Leaf Basil Guide

	Start Seeds	Indoors, 6-8 wks before last frost
	Seed Depth	1/4"
	Germination Days	5-10
	Temperature	65 to 70°
	Water	Keep Moist
	Light	16 hrs day for seeds. Full sun for plants outdoors.
	Fertilize	1/2 strength @ 6wks
	Transplant or Pot Up	Indoors after 3-4 true leaves. Outdoors, after danger of frost.
	Plant Spacing	Landscape: 12-16" As Cut Flower: 6"
	Maturity	50 days
	Support?	No
	Pinch?	Yes, when 6" tall
	Harvest	Pinch leaves for eating. Cut stems early morning for floral arrangements.
	Deadhead	Yes
	Floral Conditioning	Cut early morning, Quick Dip and put stem in ice water for 24 hours.

NOTES