How to grow basil in a pot?

Why is a pot an excellent option to grow basil?

Do you dream of growing your own basil and think it’s not possible because you don’t have a garden? Like many other aromatic herbs, basil thrives easily in a pot, provided you make the right choices regarding location, soil and care.

Needs 6 hours’ sunshine a day!

On average, basil needs 6 hours of sun exposure each day. So it makes more sense to grow it in a pot, allowing you to move it if it’s in the shade and position it as well as possible.

Besides sunshine, basil particularly appreciates warmth. You can very well grow it indoors or under a heated shelter. If you plan to place the pot outdoors, never sow before the Ice Saints, as late frosts can still occur.

Easier watering from below via the saucer

It is recommended to water basil regularly, ideally with tepid rainwater. Again, choosing to grow it in a pot makes things easier because you can water by subirrigation, placing water directly into the saucer. You will see the first small leaves appear after about ten days; they will not yet be ready to eat — that will be the time to water again!

The option to bring pots indoors at night, especially in early spring

As you will have understood, basil is a plant that dislikes cool temperatures. If you grow it in a pot, nothing prevents you from bringing it indoors to shelter it from cold nights or morning frosts, which can still occur in April and sometimes even in early May, especially in northern France.

Our tips for planting basil in a pot

Planting basil in a pot, within reach of all gardeners

If you have one or two basil young plants, buy a pot about 15 cm in diameter and 20 cm high. If you have three or four basil young plants, opt for larger dimensions: at least 30 cm in diameter.

Start by inserting a layer of approximately 2 cm of clay pebbles or pumice in the bottom of the pot with drainage holes, to improve drainage. Fill the pot with potting compost and, if desired, add homemade compost (one third compost to two thirds potting compost).

Don’t forget to leave about 5 cm between each young plant. Also water lightly and, once the young plants have grown well, water from above or place the pots in a basin of warmed rainwater (left in the sun). Always choose a sunny spot (or one with light shade) and watch your basil; its soil must not dry out too much.

When to plant basil in a pot?

You can start sowing basil from spring until the end of summer. For example, if you want to keep using this herb for year-end celebrations, simply sow in August. The young plants will benefit from late summer and pleasant autumn days to soak up the sun, before you bring them indoors to shelter from the cold from October. During winter, preferably place the pot on a windowsill facing the sun.

If you plant your basil correctly and take good care of it, each pot will provide around four months of harvest.

Some examples of basil varieties perfect for pots plantation

Purple Basil

Leaves of Organic Purple Basil can be eaten raw. Its small purple leaves and compact habit make it an ideal specimen for growing in pots. Fresh or dried, leaves can be added to salads, marinades for meat or served with starchy foods, meat and fish.

Cinnamon Basil

Organic Cinnamon Basil owes its name to its subtle scent: it reveals a surprising aroma of cinnamon and clove. Leaves remain medium-sized and habit stays compact, so you can confidently grow this variety in pots.

Lemon Basil

To vary flavours in the kitchen, also opt for Organic Lemon Basil, which brings a real freshness to all your dishes. Leaves are small and habit remains compact. Leaves with a tangy scent can be eaten fresh and finely chopped, delicious!

Caring for your potted basil

Regular cutting to promote shoot growth

After about a month, basil recently sown will already have developed well: now is the time to cut the leaves to encourage new shoots.

Protect basil from effects of drought: watering and mulching

Very sensitive to drought, basil should be cut at the top of the stems to avoid consequences of this natural phenomenon in summer. Also remember to water, using water that is not too cold, ideally warmed in the sun beforehand. Finally, it is advisable to use dried grass clippings to create a mulch that will feed your basil, and don’t forget to pinch out flower spikes to keep producing more leaves.

Harvesting basil

You can very easily harvest basil leaves as required, by cutting them by hand or with scissors. Simply harvesting regularly will produce more leaves and maintain good density, while delaying going to seed.

Repot for better results!

If you bought basil in a pot, you must repot it into a new pot with a base layer of clay pebbles and potting compost.

By following these tips to the letter, you give yourself every chance of having basil on hand all year round for savoury recipes and, why not, sweet ones!