Basil Care Guide
Ocimum basilicum
Also known as: Sweet Basil, Thai Basil
Watering
Summer
Every 3 days
Winter
Every 5 days
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. These plants hate drying out completely.
Light
Direct sunlight
South-facing window, full sun for 4+ hours
Humidity
40-60%
Average home humidity is fine.
Pet & Child Safety
Safe for pets and children
Pot & Soil
Needs a pot with drainage. Standard potting mix. Keep warm - dies below 10°C.
Pot-size watering
The 3-5 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot can need checking much sooner, while a 22cm pot may stay moist for longer. Keep the soil lightly moist, but check below the surface so a large pot is not staying soggy.
Balanced root room
This plant does best with a pot just larger than the root ball. Too much spare wet soil can make watering harder to judge.
Soil refresh
Refresh tired or compacted soil yearly, because moisture-loving plants still need air around the roots, not dense wet mix.
Good to Know
Very thirsty herb. Pinch flower buds to keep producing leaves. Short-lived annual.
Frequently asked
How often should I water Basil?▾
Every 3 days in summer and every 5 days in winter is the reference range. The 3-5 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot can need checking much sooner, while a 22cm pot may stay moist for longer. Keep the soil lightly moist, but check below the surface so a large pot is not staying soggy. Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. These plants hate drying out completely.
What light does Basil need?▾
Direct sunlight. South-facing window, full sun for 4+ hours.
Is Basil safe for pets and children?▾
Yes - Basil is safe for pets and children.
What humidity does Basil prefer?▾
40-60%. Average home humidity is fine.
What soil and pot does Basil need?▾
Needs a pot with drainage. Standard potting mix. Keep warm - dies below 10°C. This plant does best with a pot just larger than the root ball. Too much spare wet soil can make watering harder to judge. Refresh tired or compacted soil yearly, because moisture-loving plants still need air around the roots, not dense wet mix.
Is Basil beginner-friendly?▾
Yes - Basil is a herb well-suited to beginners.
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