🌿 How to Grow Italian Basil from Seeds
Common Names:

• Hindi: तुलसी (Tulsi – Note: Not the same as Holy Basil)

• Tamil: இத்தாலிய துளசி

• Telugu: ఇటాలియన్ తులసి

• Malayalam: ഇറ്റാലിയൻ തുളസി

• Kannada: ಇಟಾಲಿಯನ್ ತುಳಸಿ

• English: Italian Basil

• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season herb

• Best time to sow:

  • February to April (spring)

  • June to August (monsoon)

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 30°C

• Sensitive to frost and cold winds

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Light, well-draining, fertile soil

• pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.5)

• Add compost or well-rotted cow manure

• Avoid soggy or compacted soil

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 6–8 inches between plants, 12 inches between rows

  • Containers: Use 8–10 inch pots, sow 3–5 seeds per pot

• Tip: Soak seeds in water for 6 hours to improve germination

• Water lightly after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

• Water 2–3 times a week or when topsoil feels dry

• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues

5. Germination

• Germinates in 5–10 days

• Thin seedlings after 2 weeks, keeping 1–2 healthiest plants per spot

• Basil is sensitive — handle seedlings gently

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Grows best in warm, sunny spots

• Can tolerate partial shade, but flavor is richer with more sun

7. Fertilization

• Use vermicompost or homemade compost every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid over-fertilizing — can reduce aroma

• Banana peel or diluted seaweed fertilizer also works well

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites

• Use neem oil + mild soap spray every 10–15 days

• Improve air circulation and don’t overcrowd plants

9. Harvesting

• Start harvesting after 5–6 weeks, when the plant has 6–8 leaves

• Pinch off the top leaves regularly to promote bushier growth

• Avoid cutting more than ⅓ of the plant at a time

• Harvest leaves in the morning for best flavor

10. Regrow Tip

• Basil can be propagated from cuttings

• Cut 4–6 inch healthy stems, remove bottom leaves

• Place in water till roots form (7–10 days), then transplant to soil

• You can also allow a plant to flower and collect seeds from dry seed heads

🥗 Health Benefits of Italian Basil

• Rich in vitamin K, A, and antioxidants

• Supports digestion and reduces inflammation

• Acts as a natural stress reliever

• Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties