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Sweet Basil Growing Instructions

Sowing & Growing Instructions For Sweet Basil In The UK

Growing Indoors

Sow and grow indoors for all year round crops.

Sow 0.5cm (¼") deep, in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position.
A temperature of 15-20°C (60-68°F) is ideal. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days.
Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions.

Growing Outdoors

For earlier outdoor crops, sow indoors March-May.
Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out into warm,
well-drained soil, 20cm (8") apart, during May-July. Alternatively, plants can be grown on a light windowsill.
Or sow outdoors March-May for ease, where they are to crop, 0.5cm (¼") deep, directly into into finely-prepared, warm,
well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 20cm (8") apart.
For a continuous supply, make sowings at two to three week intervals.


Harvest: Leaves are best picked immediately before use (outdoor crops from June).