Basil's natural habitat is tropical, yet, because it does not require lots of time to reach maturity, this useful annual will successfully grow in most Summer gardens, anywhere. It will also grow well indoors, year round!
For best results, start your Basil plants from seeds, indoors. This is how to do it:
(1) Acquire Basil seeds of your choice.
(2) Find suitable container.
(3) Fill your propagating pot with soil; -you do not need to have lots of it, however, do make sure that it's of quality, choose light and fluffy, one. Do
not put too much soil. Lots of soil in a deep pot, will encourage Basil to grow longer roots, and make your transplanting more difficult,
later on.
(4) With your hand, first, distribute, then gently press Basil seeds into the soil, to bring them both to a better contact.
Basil seeds do not need to be covered with soil, to germinate, well.
(5) Very Relevant
Situate your start up pot in a warm, draft free, sunny location.
Best germination temperature will be that of 70F (21C). Lower
temperatures will result in lower germination rates.
(6) Using spray bottle, regularly spray top of the pot, to keep soil lightly moist, but not dripping wet.
(7) Basil seeds will germinate well (80-90%) in 7-14 days.
Once they do, begin watering Basil plants gently, with watering can.
Three things Basil does not like:
(1) Lack of Sun.
(2) Cold.
(3) Too much water, and lack of Sun, and cold, at the same time; -- so try to avoid these!
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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: blogger, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams
