R.O.C.K.-Roots Of Care and Kindness Mutual Aid Group

• Plant Info

Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum

This seed needs to be planted in full sun. It is a warm weather crop that does not need a trellis or fertilizer. Mulch is a great idea after it has sprouted.

We strongly recommend companion planting basil with marigolds, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

• How To Sow

Plant the basil seeds 1/4th inch deep with 10-12 inches between plants. Water the area well afterwards. 

• After Planting

It should take 5-10 days for the seeds to sprout. Keep the area moist but not soggy until the seeds sprout. Once the seeds have sprouted, mulch is a great idea.

• Harvest Time

It takes 60 days before the plant is mature enough to harvest from it. 

When harvesting basil, look for the two largest leaves on a stem. The set of leaves below it should also have a set of tiny leaves or knobs (called nodes). Cut the stem ¼-½ inch above the nodes.

Make sure to harvest from the plant regularly or it may “bolt”, which causes the basil to stop growing and causes the remaining leaves to become bitter.