Katharina Buczek
Sweet Basil is a classic choice for its versatile flavor, perfect for pesto and salads. Genovese is another favorite, known for its large leaves and robust flavor, which is ideal for Italian dishes.
If you’re limited on space, Spicy Globe or Greek Basil varieties stay compact and bushy, making them perfect for windowsills. Or, for something a bit different, Purple Basil offers a unique color and a slightly spicier flavor, adding both a decorative and tasty twist to your indoor garden.
How To Get Started
Beginning your basil journey is pretty straightforward. You can start with seeds, sowing them in pots with well-draining soil, or simplify the process by transplanting small plants from your local nursery.
If starting from seeds, be sure to keep the soil moist and cover the pots with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect, encouraging germination.
Then, once the seedlings sprout and grow their first set of true leaves, they’re ready to be thinned out and given more room to flourish.
Caring For Your Indoor Basil
First, it’s important to know that basil absolutely loves the sun. So, aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, utilizing a sunny windowsill or supplementing with grow lights during darker months.
As for watering, it’s best to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. You should water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Basil also prefers warmer temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 70°F. So, if your home is on the drier side, a pebble tray or occasional misting can help raise humidity levels.
When it comes to soil, you can use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water from sitting too long and causing root rot.
