Intro
There are many types of basil one can grow in containers indoors (see list below). We’ll describe how we grow basil indoors and take you through the step-by-step process to ensure your success.
Step 1
Decide which type of basil you would like to grow and “get you some seeds”. The type we chose to grow is a simple broad leaf organic variety we’ve had good success with:
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But you can choose from a variety of types such as
- Sweet Basil – Most popular – 12-18” plants at maturity.
- Genovese Basil – Flatter and pointier leaves – likes direct sun.
- Thai Basil – A purple-stemmed plant. Enjoy a touch of licorice and strong flavor
- Napoletano Basil – Leaves large enough to wrap poultry, fish or cheese. Slightly more spice and can grow to 2’ tall.
- Dark Opal Basil – Dark purple foliage can be used to steep in vinegar or oil to use in dishes.
- Christmas Basil – Fruity with a tinge of pine. Excellent for pesto, salads, as well as in drinks or teas.
- Lemon Basil – Light and tender foliage. Can be added to ice tea for an invigorating drink.
- Lettuce Leaf Basil – Large wrinkled 3-5” leaves which are mild in flavor.
- Lime Basil – A flavorful cooking herb which can be combined with lemon basil for citrus notes in your dishes.
- Cinnamon Basil – Also known as “Mexican spicy”. Leaves and small pinkish-lavender flowers mean this is an excellent choice to include in flower arrangements. Spicy and fragrant.
- Holy Basil – Also known as “Tulsi” this basil is revered in the Hindu religion for spiritual and medicinal uses. Used daily in tea or chai, it is said that it will boost your immune system.
- Cardinal Basil – Striking red flowers which are used as an edible ornamental.
- Green Ruffles – Mild flavored but fancy and frilly.
- Greek Basil – An 8” bushy native of Southeast Asia.
- Pistou Basil – Grab some olive oil and garlic and make a batch of Pistou sauce. Packed with flavor and an excellent garnish.
- Spicy Saber (Serrata) – This plant’s spicy serrated leaves is a late season performer.
- African Blue Basil – Grows up to four feet tall with beautiful dark foliage.
- Spicy Bush Basil – Intensely flavored leaves used in soups and sauces.
As you can see you have many choices on which type of basil you choose to grow. If you have tips or success growing basil indoors please subscribe and share in the comments!
Step 2
Prepare your pots and potting soil. Since you will possibly be consuming your basil, focus on high-quality organic potting soil and pots that don’t are used for growing food. Our choice is the humble clay pot. It’s porous which lets the roots breath and is inexpensive.
Step 3a
Direct plant – Basil seeds are tiny and only need a light covering of soil to germinate. They do, however, need to stay moist so if you’re going to plant them directly in your pots, it might be good to cover the tops with a saucer or even a paper towel so you can keep the top layer of seeds moist.
Step 3b
Sprout and transplant – This is the method we’re using.
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After these seedlings are more established we will transplant them into pots.
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Step 4
Place in your brightest place indoors and water to keep soil moist and feed with organic fish fertilizer once every two weeks (INTERNAL LINK TO FISH FERTILIZER METHOD)
Step 5
Harvest and enjoy!
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Resource Links:
https://balconygardenweb.com/types-of-basil-best-basil-varieties/
Version – Rough Draft 1.0 10/5/2020