BASIL

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FULL SUN

6+ hours of direct sunlight daily

☼ More sun = more flavor ☼

Too little light may cause your basil to get pale, leggy, and weak.

In super hot climates, or on days of harsh sun, consider placing your basil somewhere it can get afternoon shade. Basil tends to wilt FAST in the heat if left unwatered.

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KEEP SOIL MOIST

Keep this herb consistently moist

But make sure it doesn’t get soggy! Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Be gentle and water at the base of the plant, keeping its leaves dry and happy to avoid fungal problems. If you notice the leaves wilting, a thorough watering should help perk it up again.

Basil thrives in moderate humidity.

Indoor humidity is fine for basil. You can also add organic mulch around the base of your basil to retain soil moisture. Avoid misting or wetting its leaves!

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Groovy Root mascot. A cartoon red flower pot character happily planting a seedling with a trowel, surrounded by dirt, smiling flowers, bees, and a second small pot. Wearing blue sneakers.

soil needs

Basil grows best in a well-draining nutrient-rich mix that stays lightly moist in between waterings.

When choosing a potting mix for basil, look for mixes that include:

ᯓ Coco Coir ᯓ

Helps retain moisture without creating a swampy environment.

ᯓ Perlite or Coarse Sand ᯓ

Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

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Harvesting

You can start harvesting when your basil plant has at least 6 to 8 leaves or is about 6 inches tall.

Try to harvest every 1 to 2 weeks or as needed to maintain shape and encourage growth.

⊹ Use Clean Scissors or Fingers ⊹

Always use sanitized scissors or pinch off stems with clean hands to prevent spreading germs.

⊹ Identify the Pruning Spot ⊹

Look for a node where two leaves branch out from the stem. Cut or pinch just above the node, leaving two leaves intact. This encourages new stems to grow from the node!

⊹ Remove Flower Buds (Bolts) ⊹

Pinch off and discard flower buds as soon as you see them. Basil tends to bolt in hot weather conditions.

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⊹ Basil Recipe ⊹

Common Issues

A sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.
Remove affected leaves.
If you suspect root rot: dry out the soil for a day or two. If the problem persists, remove plant from pot, trim away dead, mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.
Commonly due to soil kept too dry.
Regularly check the soil moisture and water when the top few inches feels dry. If the soil feels wet, drooping could also be a result of overwatering!
Hot weather or long daylight hours can cause basil to bolt.
Pinch off flower buds as they appear to keep them away and to keep your herb flavorful.
A sign of a fungal problem.
Remove the affected leaves. Prevent this by keeping basil leaves dry. No misting!

Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Make sure to watch out for these creepy crawlers:

𖢥 Aphids

𖢥 Spider Mites

𖢥 Whiteflies

Pet Safe

Basil is a non-toxic herb that is considered a safe herb to grow indoors or outdoors in pet-friendly spaces.

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