Basil Seeds, Cinnamon

Basil seed can be sown directly into the garden once all danger of frost has passed or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.

Planting preparation

• Choose a site that has good drainage and receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. The best way to ensure successful seed germination is to use well-cultivated, loose soil that is evenly moist. Soil that remains wet can lead to damp roots, which may eventually rot. In the case of rocky soil, it is advisable to till and remove the rocks as they can hinder root development and result in weaker plants.

Sowing seed directly into the garden

• Sow Basil seed after all danger of frost has passed.
• It is best to wait until your outdoor temperature warms up in early summer as Basil dislikes cold, damp conditions.
• Sow the seeds according to directions on the back of the seed packet.
• It is important to keep the soil consistently damp until seeds have germinated. Use a hose nozzle or watering can with a fine-spray setting, which will create a gentle mist without washing away the soil. It is recommended to water the soil daily, ensuring that the surface never becomes dry and remains consistently moist.
• It can take 7-14 days for Basil seeds to germinate.

Sowing seed indoors

• Sow seed indoors 6-8 weeks prior to last frost.
• Follow the planting directions on the back of the seed packet.
• A seedling heat mat is a tool that supplies a steady heat to the bottom of a plant or young seedling while it is being cultivated indoors. Its purpose is to facilitate the process of germination and encourage the development of roots by maintaining an ideal temperature for growth and sprouting.
• Prevent leggy plants by growing seedlings under an indoor grow light.
• Monitor the moisture level of the soil on a daily basis to ensure that it remains adequately moist. It is crucial to prevent the planting medium from drying out or sitting in water as this can result in damping off disease, a rapid fungal infection that can be fatal for young plants. To minimize the risk of damping off disease, it is recommended to water the containers from beneath so water is soaked up. Ensure proper air circulation once the seedlings have emerged with the use of a fan.
• Prepare seedlings to be transplanted outdoors by hardening off. For more information about hardening off, click here.
• Once seedlings have been hardened off, they are ready to transplant outdoors.

Transplanting seedlings outdoors

• Transplant Basil plants after all danger of frost has passed.
• Prepare your garden by loosening the soil and removing any rocks and weed roots. Incorporate compost into the soil to enhance its fertility.
• Plant on a cloudy day to avoid exposing your seedlings to intense sunlight, as it can cause stress.
• Assess the moisture levels of your garden soil. It should be adequately moist but not excessively wet.
• Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and gently loosen the roots before placing it in the hole. This will promote the growth of strong roots.
• Position the plant in the hole at a depth similar to its previous pot, ensuring that its roots are covered with soil. Firmly but gently pack down the soil.
• Consider applying mulch around the seedlings to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
• Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist while they establish themselves in their new environment.
• If planting seedlings into containers, use a good quality potting mix/soil. Do not use garden soil in containers as it is too dense resulting in poor drainage and aeration.