Basil from seed

[vikkib]

I thought I'd made this post already so if I'm just being really short sighted and it's there already please feel free to delete!

About two and a half weeks ago I sowed some basil seeds in a shallow(ish) tray. The seeds have germinated and are growing, seemingly happily, under a light.

I think they're too small still to prick out individually but I'm wondering whether I should transplant some clumps of seedlings into pots or deeper trays to give them about more depth?

I haven't grown basil (or any herbs for that matter) from seed yet so any help gratefully received!

[alex-adam]

In my experience Basil is such a difficult plant from seed I buy a small potted plant from the greengrocery section in S*******y's or T***O and pot them on. The basil on our kitchen windowsil was bought in June last year and is still going strong in a 7" pot - the plant stands 22" high by 18" wide and looks as if it will last a few months yet. It has provided all our basil needs for the last 8 months.

a-a

[redser]

I grew it from seed last year Vikki - 3 clumps went into the tunnel, each clump had about 5 plants.
Yours dont seem to have any true leaves yet so I'd be inclined to leave them be for a bit. Once they come then I think it would be a good time to pot up the clumps into something like a 4 or 5 inch pot. And I read it's particular important for basil to water from the bottom.

[vikkib]

Thanks very much both!

Alex - my supermarket stuff never lasts long hence me giving it a go from scratch!

Redser - Thanks! I'll try and be patient! ; )

[ancee]

I grow it every year on the window sill in the kitchen. Start off one pot, when that's well on its way I start another then start using the first for cooking/salads etc. Then start a third.... It is easy just make sure you have plenty of light and remember to water it that's it!

[taff]

And don't keep it in the cold, it doesn't like it. Just throw a pinch of seeds in and leave them alone, pick out the top when they get to about 6 inches for them to get bushy. Don't bother pricking them out individually.

[Two_Sheds]

I think you're several months too early, so don't be disheartened if they struggle.

Basil likes Mediterranean weather, same as me

[dandalady]

every year I struggle growing basil from seed. It germinates well, grows on well but then dies off midsumer - it sort of wilts and collapses. I have heard that you should always water it in the morning, never late in the day? Other herbs flourish in my south east facing sun trap garden but not basil. I am trying again this year though

[bazzaboy]

Basil is one of the easiest plants to propagate by standing cuttings in water and then potting on once a mass of roots have developed (which in the summer they do very quickly even with supermarket-bought plants). I agree with 2S still seems early and too chilly though I noticed Waitrose were selling a fine-leaved one last week called "Greek Basil" (an invented name?) Water by "bottom up" method only when flagging from being dry. Come warmer weather even if growing from seed proves problematic you should only need to buy one plant to last all Summer.... coz once you learn the trick you'll be giving it away!

[bazzaboy]

you should only need to buy one plant to last all Summer.... coz once you learn the trick you'll be giving it away!

Or should I say, if you're a bit of a basil nut, you should only need to buy SEVENTEEN plants if you like variety....

See
Basil Variety Guide: Organic Gardening

[veggiechicken]

Thanks to you, Baz, I've just cut the last remaining sprig of bush basil from my supermarket plant and put it in water. If it doesn't root you're in big trouble
I have trouble growing basil from seed too. I have some stubby little seedlings but they're dying off as I look at them

[bazzaboy]

Thanks to you, Baz, I've just cut the last remaining sprig of bush basil from my supermarket plant and put it in water. If it doesn't root you're in big trouble
I have trouble growing basil from seed too. I have some stubby little seedlings but they're dying off as I look at them

Oh nooooooooooooooo 'eck, I'm going into hiding....

In my defence me'lud, I did say "summer" which today's freezing temperatures hardly mimic so VC will need to keep it cozy. But give it a week and see if anything starts up...

But seems very early to be sowing basil seed, VC, you're more likely to succeed in May or even June but it's still February round here (unless I've missed a trick?)

My Christmas hyacinths haven't flowered yet.... Round these parts Good King Wenceslas is still gathering few-el rather than baz-ill.... x

[Linzy]

I have issues with basil from seed, not sure why but it just doesnt happen, s i just buy from morrisons use it all then stick it on the windowsill for a second flush of growth

[Aberdeenplotter]

I only manage to get basil to germinate on the heated bench. Complete waste of time for me otherwise.

[bazzaboy]

Basil is one of the easiest plants to propagate by standing cuttings in water and then potting on once a mass of roots have developed (which in the summer they do very quickly even with supermarket-bought plants).

Can I acknowledge that this was one of the first tips I learned on this extraordinary site back in 2007/8 and that it was Valmarg (who is still active on the site) who taught me! Thank you V, both for the tip and your patience... I recall reading the tip and thinking (as I so often still do on this site...) "Oh that's interesting. I'll try that...". The following week the topic came up again and Valmarg repeated the tip again. A little later the same question and again V's full explanation... And then something like "I'm a newbie, how can I best propagate basil...?" V to the rescue once more only to be followed by another thread along the lines of "Is it true basil roots in water....?" After countless patient explanations you could sense a touch of FOR THE LAST..... TIME..... Brilliant patience! And I did learn the tip, V, many thanks!
And p.s., it does work!