How to Take Care of an Indoor Basil Plant

Basil is one of the age-old herbs that has been used by humans for various purposes. Apart from its culinary uses, basil is also valued for its therapeutic properties. This plant is also used for religious purposes, in some parts of the world. In short, basil is among the oldest cultivated herbs and even today, it is very commonly found as a household plant. This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Growing basil indoors is often viewed as a difficult task. But, basil is not a messy plant and if you have a basic know-how about its requirements, this plant can be grown indoors too.

Indoor Basil Plant Care

As mentioned above, basil is not a messy plant and all you need is the necessary garden supplies, basil seeds and a basic understanding about the requirements of the plant. In order to take care of an indoor basil plant, you may follow these tips.

• To start with, you require the necessary supplies like containers, soil and basil seeds. You may also use soil in your home, provided it is well-drained and nutrient-rich. Potting mix without soil is also said to be good for growing herbs like, basil. Even basil growing kits are available in nurseries and garden centers.
• Once you get all the necessary things, you can sow the seeds. Fill the container with potting mix and spread the seeds (around ten) and cover them with half-inch soil. If the container is small (6-inch one), then, sow one seed per container. You may also try growing basil from young plants that can be bought from the nursery. In such cases, you can plant it in the container.
• Place the containers at locations with direct sunlight. Otherwise get some fluorescent glow lights that can be suspended over the plants. In such cases, the lights must be used for at least 12 hours a day and you have to water the soil twice daily.
• The seeds will sprout within seven to ten days and once they are strong enough for transplanting, you can plant each seedling in individual containers.
• For growing basil indoors, you have to follow the above said method only. Provide the plants with ample sunlight or artificial light and water. While watering basil plants, make sure that the soil is not getting soggy. For established plants, watering once every two days will be sufficient.
• Another aspect of indoor basil plant care is fertilizing, which is needed occasionally. You may use a standard house plant fertilizer or organic fertilizer. However, it is said that excess use of fertilizers may promote foliage growth, but lower the flavor of leaves.
• In case of basil, pruning encourages the formation of new branches, thereby making the plant more compact and bushy. Remove the tips, as the plant reaches a height of around six inches. Even pruning of flowers is found to promote foliage growth.
• Even though, the plant is not so particular about soil pH levels, it will be better to maintain it between 6.5 to 7.5. You may use tester kits for checking (once a month) the pH of the soil in which, basil plants are growing.

You may also collect information about growing indoor basil plants, from the local nursery. In short, there is not much difference between growing basil outdoors and indoors. The main thing is to provide the plant with ample sunlight (or artificial light), along with proper watering and well-drained soil.