Basil is a popular and flavorful herb to be grown both indoors and outdoors. One of the most commonly asked questions by gardeners is, does basil need full sun? The answer is that basil plants thrive in warm temperatures and require at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. However, too much light can harm the plant and lead to excessive heat, which can cause damage or stunted growth.
To grow healthy basil plants, it is essential to provide them with enough sunlight, but also ensure they do not get too much sunlight. Basil can be grown in both in-ground gardens and container gardens, making it a versatile herb to be grown almost anywhere. Basil prefers moist soil that is nutrient-rich and well-draining to avoid root rot.
Whether you are planting basil seedlings or starting from seed, it is essential to plant them in a spot that receives the right amount of sunlight. In our guide, you can learn how to grow basil the right way. By the end, you’ll learn the basil seeds you can find, and how to deliver the best growing conditions for your basil plants. (Read Does Vinegar Kill Bed Bugs)
How Much Sun Does Basil Need?
Basil is a popular herb that is easy to grow in your garden or even indoors. One of the most important factors for growing healthy basil plants is providing them with the right amount of sunlight. In this section, we will discuss how much sun basil needs and what can happen if it doesn’t get enough or gets too much.
Can Basil Grow in Indirect Sunlight?
Basil can grow in indirect sunlight, but it may not grow as well as it would in direct sunlight. If growing basil indoors, placing it on a sunny windowsill that gets at least six-eight hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.
However, if you don’t have a sunny windowsill, you can still grow basil under fluorescent lights or in a location that gets indirect sunlight for at least six to eight full hours of sunlight per day. Ensure it can get the best morning sun rather than hot exposure in the afternoon.
Can Basil Grow in Shade?
Basil can grow in partial shade, but it may not grow as quickly or produce as many leaves as it would in full sun. If you live in a hot, dry area, it may be better growing basil in partial shade to prevent wilting. However, it is best to provide basil with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
What Happens if Basil Doesn’t Get Enough Sun?
If basil doesn’t get enough sun, it may not grow as quickly or produce as many leaves as it would in full sun. The leaves may also be smaller and less flavorful. If your basil is indoors, ensure to place it in a sunny location or provide it with artificial light to ensure it gets enough sun.
If you grow outdoors, ensure to plant it in a location that gets at least six or eight hours of direct sunlight per day. (Learn How Long Do Sunflowers Bloom)
Can Basil Get Too Much Sun?
Yes, basil can get too much sunlight. If basil gets too much, it may wilt or become stressed. The basil leaves may be yellow or brown. If you live in a hot, dry area, it may be better to grow basil in partial shade to prevent it from getting too much sun.
If you are growing basil indoors, ensure to monitor the amount of sun it gets and move it to a shadier location if necessary. In summary, basil needs at least six- eight hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. Fresh basil planted grows in indirect sunlight or afternoon shade but may not grow as well. If basil doesn’t get enough hours of sunlight, it may not grow as quickly or harvesting basil leaves will deliver smaller yields.
Planting Basil
If you’re planning to grow your own basil here, you’ll must know how to plant it properly.
Here are some tips to help you get started.
When to Plant Basil
The best time to for your basil plant is after the last spring frost. This will give your plants enough time to grow and mature before the first frost of the fall. If you’re not sure when the last frost is in your area, you can check with your local gardening center or extension office.
Where to Plant Basil
Basil prefers full sun, so it’s best to plant it in a location suitable for basil. Sunlight needs to be 6 hours per day. If you live in a hot climate, however, plant your aromatic herb in partial shade to protect it from the intense summer heat.
Basil thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil. If you’re planting in the ground, ensure the soil is well-draining and has plenty of organic matter. If you’re planting the annual plant in a container rather than in ground soil, use a high-quality potting mix that is specifically formulated for basil growing in container gardening.
How to Plant Basil
To plant basil, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the soil: If you’re planting in the ground, loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and mix in some compost or other organic matter. If you’re planting in a container, fill the container with a potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Plant the seedlings: If you’re using young plants, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball and gently place the plant in the hole. If you’re using basil seeds, sprinkle them over the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the plants: After planting, water the plants thoroughly to help them settle into their new home. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Care for the plants: As your basil grows, ensure to keep the soil moist and provide enough hours of sun. You may also want to fertilize your plants every few weeks to keep them healthy and strong.
By following these simple tips, you can plant and grow healthy, flavorful basil in your in-ground or container gardens. (Learn How Much Sun Do Mums Need)
Tips for Growing Basil
If you’re looking to grow healthy basil, there are a few key things to remember. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Watering Basil
Basil thrives in moist soil, so it’s important to water it regularly. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. You can check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, hold off for a day or two.
Fertilizing Basil
Basil is a heavy feeder, so it benefits from regular fertilization. You can use a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend, every two to three weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
Pruning Basil
Pruning your basil regularly can help encourage bushier growth and prevent it from getting too leggy. When your basil plant has six to eight basil leaves, and you see a flower bud, you can pinch off the top two to three sets of leaves. This will encourage the plant to branch out and grow more leaves.
You can continue to pinch off the top sets of leaves every few weeks throughout the basil growing season, and pinching the bud keeps the plant growing.
Harvesting Basil
Regarding harvesting basil, it’s best to do it early in the day, before the sun has evaporated the plant’s essential oils. This will help ensure your basil has the best flavor and aroma. To harvest fresh basil now, simply pinch off the leaves with your fingers or use a pair of scissors.
You can harvest the leaves as soon as they are large enough to use, but be sure to leave at least a third of the plant intact so it can continue to grow. Harvest basil and mix it with olive oil to use or put in ice cube containers to freeze.
Types of Basil
If you’re looking to grow basil in your garden, there are several types to choose from.
Here are some of the most common types of basil and their characteristics:
1. Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is the most commonly grown type of basil. It has a classic basil flavor and is great for making pesto, adding to salads, or using as a garnish. Sweet basil grows best in full sun and tolerates partial sun.
2. Thai Basil
Thai basil has a spicy, anise-like flavor and is commonly used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Thai Basil grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, and can grow up to 2 feet tall.
3. Purple Basil
Purple basil is a beautiful addition to any garden. It has deep purple leaves and purple flowers, and a spicy, clove-like flavor. It grows best in full sun up to 2ft tall and likes well-draining soil.
4. Lemon Basil
Lemon basil has a citrusy, lemon flavor and is great for adding to salads or using in marinades. It grows best in full sun, yet can tolerate partial sun.
5. Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil has a sweet, cinnamon-like flavor and is great for adding to desserts or using in tea. It does best in the sun and good-draining soil, getting up to 2 feet tall.
Overall, basil is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb to add flavor and beauty to any garden. Whether you choose Sweet, Cinnamon, Thai, purple basil, lemon basil, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious and aromatic benefits of this wonderful herb. (Learn How Much Sun Do Roses Need)
Growing Basil Indoors
If you want to grow basil indoors, you must pay attention to its specific requirements. Here are some tips to help you grow healthy basil plants indoors.
How Many Hours of Sun Does Basil Need?
Does basil need direct sunlight? Basil needs at least six hours of full sun each day to grow well. If you don’t have a sunny window, you can use fluorescent bulbs to provide the light for your basil sun requirements.
Keep the bulbs about 2 to 4 inches away from the top of the plants and ensure the leaves don’t touch the bulbs to prevent burning.
Temperature Requirements
Basil plants prefer warm temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may suffer damage. Keep the plant away from cold drafts and windows during the cold weather and winter months.
Soil Requirements
Basil plants grow best in moist, well-draining soil. Use aged compost enriched with nutrients to keep the soil fertile. You can also use potting soil mixed with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Watering Requirements
Basil plants need consistent moisture to thrive. Give the plant some water when the soil’s not moist. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but also avoid over-watering, as it can cause root rot. Use a watering can or a spray bottle to water the plant gently.
To make watering easier, you can use ice cube trays to water the plant slowly and evenly. Fill the trays with water and place them on top of the soil. The ice will melt slowly, providing the plant with water.
Besides these requirements, basil plants also benefit from fresh air circulation. If you’re growing basil indoors, ensure to open the windows or use a fan to keep the air moving. If you’re using an airtight container, ensure to open it periodically to allow fresh air to circulate.
By following these tips, you can successfully grow basil indoors and enjoy fresh herbs all year round.
Common Problems with Basil
Basil is a relatively easy herb to grow, but it can suffer from a few common problems.
Here are some issues you may encounter when growing basil.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease to affect basil plants, especially if they are over-watered. Symptoms of root rot include yellow leaves, wilting, and stunted growth.
Too Much Sun
While basil needs plenty of sun to grow, it can also suffer from too much sun. If your basil plant gets too much sun, the leaves can become scorched and turn yellow.
Pests
Basil can attract various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant.
