The classic herb every garden needs!
Sweet Basil is the quintessential kitchen companion, fragrant, flavorful, and easy to grow. With smooth green leaves and a rich, sweet aroma, it’s perfect for everything from pesto to pasta to fresh summer salads.
Variety: Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Growth Habit: Annual herb
Height: 18–24 inches
Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly spicy, and highly aromatic
Color: Bright green, smooth leaves
Planting Conditions: Full sun and well-drained, fertile soil
Harvest Timeline: Ready in 60–75 days
Uses: Pesto, pasta, salads, sauces, herbal teas, microgreens
Fun Fact: Sweet basil is one of the most widely used herbs in the world and is considered sacred in some cultures, symbolizing love, protection, and good fortune.
Sweet Basil is the heart and soul of summer cooking. Its lush leaves are packed with aromatic oils that bring depth to tomato sauces, brightness to salads, and magic to homemade pesto. Whether you’re snipping microgreens for a peppery garnish or harvesting full-size leaves for a garden-fresh caprese, this basil delivers flavor, fragrance, and charm. It’s a staple for every kitchen garden, and every cook who loves fresh herbs.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Basil thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of light daily.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after frost danger has passed. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
💧 Water Gently: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water at the base to prevent mildew.
🌾 Thin and Maintain: Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart. Pinch off flower buds to encourage more leaf growth.
✂️ Harvest: Begin harvesting when plants are 6–8 inches tall. Regular picking promotes bushier growth.
For Microgreens
🌱 Prepare Your Tray: Use a shallow tray with drainage. Fill with seed-starting mix or coco coir.
🌾 Sow the Seeds: Scatter seeds evenly (8–10 grams per 10"x20" tray). Lightly press into the surface.
💧 Mist and Cover: Mist gently and cover with a humidity dome or tray lid.
🌱 Germination (Days 1–4): Keep in a warm, dark place. Mist daily.
🌞 Light and Watering (Days 5–10): Remove cover and place under grow lights or in a sunny window. Begin bottom watering.
✂️ Harvest (Days 10–14): Cut when microgreens are 2–3 inches tall. Use fresh or store in the fridge for up to a week.
