Basil Growing Guide

basil growing in a pot

Growing Basil in Pots

Basil is a fragrant herb most commonly used in Italian cooking, as it’s an essential ingredient in one of the most beloved pasta sauces – pesto! While you’re probably most familiar with sweet basil, there are several types of basil plants, including purple basil, lemon basil, and Thai basil; each has a unique look and flavor profile. No matter which type you choose, growing basil at home is a simple way to add more depth of flavor to every meal. Check out our guide to growing basil in containers, and soon, you’ll be tossing basil leaves into everything!

Getting Started

When you tackle growing basil in pots, there are a few key steps to consider. If you live in a colder location, we recommend planting seeds in early spring and keeping them indoors so they’re already growing tall when the weather turns warm. You shouldn’t pot them in soil that’s under 50 degrees — 70 degrees offers the ideal growing temperature. Or, as we recommend, you can purchase already growing plants at your local hardware store or plant nursery.

Basil needs a lot of heat and sunlight, so it does really well in the summer but tends to drop off during the fall – unless you live on the West Coast or near the equator. Growing basil in containers allows you more flexibility to find the ideal climate, as you can move your pot from balcony to windowsill to catch the most light.

Basil Essentials

Growing basil in pots is easy when you apply these climate and lighting essentials:

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Zones

Basil grows well in zones 10 - 11.

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Light

Daily requirements include 6-8 hours of light.

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Common Pests

Aphids, Beetles, Slugs

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Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew, Fusarium Wilt, Gray Mold

Patio Growers is confident in your green thumb! We know your balcony plants will thrive – especially with our guidance. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your garden further, we recommend learning more about our automated watering kits today.

The Details

Growing iceberg lettuce in containers can be complicated if you don’t provide the ideal environment. Learn more about this plant’s needs here: