Kitchen HerbsHow to Grow Basil Indoors
An aromatic anti-inflammatory herb whose essential oils are at their peak fresh off the plant.
Difficulty: Easy–ModerateReady in 3–4 wksLight: 6+ hrs / grow lightYou'll need: Pot with drainage
How to grow it
- Start from seed or a young plant in a pot with good drainage.
- Give it the brightest spot you have — 6+ hours of sun or a grow light.
- Water when the top inch of soil dries; basil likes warmth, not cold drafts.
- Pinch the growing tips above a leaf pair to make it branch and stay bushy.
Common mistakes
- Letting it flower — pinch buds off to keep leaves coming
- Cold windowsills and overwatering
Pro tip
Always harvest from the top down by pinching — never strip the lower leaves.
Grow it with My Living Pantry →More kitchen herbs to grow