Easily Growing Basil in Containers

Growing any variety of basil in containers is easy and rewarding. Whether you are looking to grow sweet italian basil, dark opal purple basil, thai basil, holy basil (Tulsi) or another variety the only thing stopping you is you.

Known for its strong flavor and abundant greens, basil, plant order Ocimum, is originally native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It is actually a member of the mint family which many people do not realize.

Each variety of basil has a unique aroma and flavor, some more distinct than others. Because of their strong aromas, all varieties of basil are known to deter pests and make great companion plants. They are especially helpful next to tomatoes.

How to Grow Basil

My mother started growing basil in containers rather than the ground when I was 5 years old and I’ve continued that tradition.

When grown in containers:

You can grow it anywhere, including much closer to the kitchen or even on a kitchen windowsill
You can control moisture
It looks very nice in a pot

How to grow in containers:

Sun: Basil thrives in full sun. I place my container in a location that receives a lot of sun in the morning but shade in the afternoon just so that the soil doesn’t dry out.
Moisture: This plant prefers moderate moisture. The soil should be well draining but damp at all times. The plant will dramatically wilt if the soil is too dry but it should spring back to life after a deep watering.
Soil: This plant prefers well draining soil. I have always grown my plants in a standard potting mix and it has thrived! You do not need to regularly fertilize. Some people will tell you to keep this plant in water. This works really well for rooting the plant but the plant will not survive for multiple months in plain water.
Container Size: I recommend planting this herb in a 10 inch pot. You can definitely start it in a smaller pot, but it grows quickly and if you start it in a large container you will never need to worry about up-potting it. Basil likes to be bunched together with other basil plants and the more room the roots have the larger the plants will grow.
Planting/Propagating: You can plant this herb by seed, start or cutting. I normally plant my basil by seed 6 ish weeks before the last frost in my region and then I direct sow new seeds outside once the temperatures warm up. Staggering your planting will keep your basil from all flowering at the same time. To start basil from cuttings you can snip off a stem just below a node, remove the leaves from the node, and then place the cutting in a glass of water on a sunny or partially sunny windowsill.
Yearly Maintenance: This plant is normally treated as an annual and gets re-seeded each year. If you move it inside before the first frost or if you live in a warmer climate it can grow as a perennial.
Winterizing: This plant will die in the frost if not moved inside.
Pruning/Harvesting: Harvest this plant by pinching small stems off at a node (place with 2 leaves). Each node will then branch and form new stems making a bushier basil plant. Do not harvest more than ⅓ of the plant at a time.
Preserving: You can hang stems to dry, lay them out in a basket or use a food dehydrator.

You can also grow lemon basil in the ground or in a raised bed garden. Just make sure the location you choose has adequate sun, moist but well draining soil, and that you add fresh compost each year.

How to Use Basil

Culinarily, basil can be used in many different ways. Some of the most popular basil dishes include: Thai basil in spring rolls, sweet Italian basil in Caprese salad, Genovese basil in salads, lemon basil on seafood, and holy basil as tea. Many of these recipes can be cooked with a different variety of basil for a unique spin on the dish.

Medicinally, basil has long been thought to settle the digestive system and the nervous system. Many people will drink tea with holy basil to relax or add some sweet basil into their dinner to aid in digestion.

Folks say that basil can also be rubbed on the skin as a mild bug repellent. I’m a mosquito magnet and at this point in time I’ll admit I’ve been scared to test this theory.

One of my favorite ways to use sweet basil is in a simple tomato dish.

Tomatoes, Basil and Mozzarella

Take one beefsteak, or several cocktail, tomato and slice it horizontally into big circles. Add a slice of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomato. Add 1-3 basil leaves on top of the cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

I hope you decide to grow basil this year and that it provides you comfort and maybe a little bit of chaos.

Additional Resources

Online resources:

Utah State University – How to Grow Basil in Your Garden
Science Direct – Basil an Overview
University of Maryland Extension – Basil

Books I love:

I am an Amazon Associate and that is reflected in the below affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you purchase the below books with my affiliate link. That being said, please check your local or favorite indie book store for them! I’d much rather you support a small business than give me a kick-back.

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