Basil is easy to grow and easy to look after. It is also a herb that many people enjoy picking a few leaves from as they go, when a tomato dish needs a topping or the Italian pizza needs a garnish just before serving.
But how should the plant be grown, how long can you enjoy it, and where does it grow best? In this post we will tell you more about growing basil, so you always have basil close at hand.
How do you grow basil?
Basil needs warmth and sun, so you can only plant it around May, when summer is just around the corner. Here you can plant your basil to good effect in a raised bed, which can be moved around depending on where there is sun and shelter, which is the very best for the basil plant's well-being. As a rule of thumb, remember that basil only grows when the weather is warm enough, so there is no point in trying to grow it earlier.
When you sow basil, it should be in soil that is nutrient-rich and airy. If you are in doubt, you can add herb fertiliser to the soil before sowing your basil.
Once the sowing is sorted, the most important thing is that your basil gets the right amount of light, warmth and water. Basil must not be overwatered, so the best approach is simply to water it a little, regularly. If your basil begins to flower, you can simply remove the flowers, so your basil will again focus on producing the tasty leaves.
In Denmark, basil is regarded as an annual herb because of the cool climate. If you have planted your basil outdoors, you can easily repot it when the season is over. That way you can try to keep it alive indoors on the windowsill – of course still with plenty of sun and light.
Should basil be in sun or shade?
Basil needs plenty of sun and preferably shelter too. It is said that basil grows best in places with 6-8 hours of sun a day. It can therefore be a good idea to fill the raised bed with other sun-loving plants, so the plants thrive as well as possible.
Should basil be grown indoors or outdoors?
Basil originally comes from the warm climate of the south. Even so, you have every opportunity to grow it in different ways here in Denmark, as long as you look after it properly. So you can easily grow your basil indoors or in a greenhouse, and if you choose to grow it outdoors, you just need to be aware that it cannot tolerate the cold temperatures of the autumn and winter months.