How to Grow, Harvest, and Use Basil Plants
Jul 15, 2025
Basil is my favorite summertime herb! I love growing fresh basil and adding it to pizza or using it to make homemade pesto for pasta and grilled veggies. And that’s just the beginning! Basil is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also full of wonderful medicinal properties.
In today’s guide, we will be going over our best tips for growing basil at home. We will introduce you to some of the most common types of basil and the various ways you can use your basil plants. There are plenty of ways to use basil in recipes. Whether you grow your garden for culinary creations or medicinal purposes, you will love the results!
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What is Basil?
Basil is a leafy herb that is known for its fragrance and flavor. It is an annual herb that is part of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It’s strongly aromatic and tastes both sweet and savory with peppery and minty notes mixed in as well.
Did you know that there are lots of different types of basil? My absolute favorite is the traditional Italian sweet basil! If you are a fan of Italian food or Thai food, you’ve probably enjoyed this herb in some of your favorite dishes.
What Are the Different Types of Basil Plants?
There are so many varieties of basil plants, and certain types have a unique flavor based on where they are grown. Before we take a detailed look at a few of my favorite basil varieties, here is a full list of some of the most common ones.
- Sweet basil
- Genovese basil
- Lemon basil
- Thai basil
- Cinnamon basil
- Greek basil
- Purple basil
- Holy basil
- African blue basil
- French basil
- Cardinal basil
- Dark opal basil
- Summerlong basil
- Japanese basil
- Purple ruffles basil
- Spicy globe basil
- Boxwood basil
Sweet basil
I could go on and on about how much I love sweet basil. This is one of the most common types of basil plants, and my favorite out of all of them. I can never get enough of it! With a mild flavor that is slightly sweet, this is the classic variety used in Italian cooking. On top of having an incredible taste, sweet basil is also packed with various medicinal benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is rich in antioxidants, and supports healthy digestion.
Genovese basil
This type of basil has a rich flavor that is peppery, sweet, and clove-like all at once. In addition to using the fresh basil leaves for cooking, you can also use Genovese basil to make calming herbal tea or essential oils.
Thai basil
A staple in Southeast Asian cooking, especially Thai cuisine, Thai basil has a bright and refreshing flavor that is distinctly peppery and bold. This variety is known for its calming effects and its ability to support the immune system.
Lemon basil
Like its name suggests, lemon basil has a unique citrusy flavor. In addition to helping fight inflammation, lemon basil is believed to support blood sugar regulation and respiratory health.
Purple basil
Purple basil has a taste similar to sweet basil but has a deeper, earthier flavor. This variety has natural antibacterial properties that fight infection, provide support for the immune system, and also promote heart health.
How to Grow Basil Plants
Basil is fairly easy to grow — both inside the house and outside, so that anyone, anywhere, can have this useful herb!
Basil plants thrive in warm climates and prefer full sun. USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11 when grown as a perennial, but it's commonly grown as an annual in most zones across the U.S. When deciding on a location, you will want to choose a spot that has shelter from strong winds.
Light, well-drained soil is ideal for growing basil. You can use soil that is slightly acidic or neutral.
To keep your basil plant healthy, water at the base and keep the soil moist but not soggy. It is best to let the soil dry out in between waterings so that you don’t overwater it.
Growing basil at home: start inside with seeds vs in the garden
While basil plants can be grown from seed, I usually end up also buying a plant start because I get so excited to add basil to everything on my menus. If you are planting your basil outside in the garden, late spring or early summer is the best time to plant, but if planting indoors, any time of the year will work just fine.
To start your seeds indoors:
- Start by filling pots or trays with well-drained soil. You will want to leave about half an inch of space at the top.
- Sprinkle a few seeds on top, then cover with a light layer of soil and gently press the seeds in.
- For gentle watering, mist the soil with a spray bottle.
- Place your seedlings near a window or somewhere they will get plenty of sun. They will need 6-8 hours of light a day.
- To prevent crowding and promote healthy growth, thin out some of the weaker seedlings once a few leaves begin to grow.
Planting outdoors:
- Fill a garden pot or flower bed with well-drained soil. Make sure that your selected location will get plenty of light.
- Gently remove your starter plant from its original container, loosening the roots a bit if packed tightly.
- Dig a small hole that is similar to the depth of the original container, and place the basil inside this area.
- Gently press soil around the area where planted to provide stability.
- Water thoroughly after planting, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy.
Harvesting, Drying, and Using Basil
After a few weeks, your basil plants will be ready for you to harvest so that you can put them to use! Here are some of our tips for working with and using your basil:
Harvesting
Harvesting regularly and at the right time is key! The best time to harvest basil is when it has grown to a height of 6 to 8 inches and when it has a few sets of leaves. Cutting just above the leaf nodes will help promote new growth. Never strip your plant of all of its leaves, as this can prevent it from regrowing well.
Drying
You can dry and save your fresh basil so that you have delicious herbs on hand next time you are cooking. An easy and foolproof way to dry your herbs is by gathering some in a bundle and hanging them upside down until they have fully air dried. You can also use a dehydrator if you prefer.
Culinary Uses
Some of our favorite culinary uses for basil include tossing the leaves into salad, using basil as a garnish for pasta dishes, making homemade pesto, or adding basil to sandwiches or wraps. Another fun way to enjoy basil is by infusing it into a cocktail or mocktail as well as infused basil water.
Medicinal Uses
By eating this plant in a food recipe or by drinking it in an herbal tea, you can enjoy the health benefits of basil. Basil is known to be anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, helpful in supporting digestion and the immune system, and beneficial for stress relief as well.
Basil Plants Frequently Asked Questions
How long does basil take to grow?
Basil is a fast-growing herb. It takes about 5 to 10 days for basil seeds to sprout, and another 3 to 4 weeks after that until your basil is ready to harvest.
Can I grow basil from cuttings?
Yes! Here on the farm, we typically prefer to use seeds or a starter plant from the store. You can also grow basil by placing cuttings in water, then transplanting once roots start to develop.
Can I grow different varieties of basil together?
Yes, growing different types of basil plants together gives you access to different flavors, and most of them will generally have similar needs. Keep in mind, though, that some of the plants grow larger and may need more space. If you plan to save seeds, keep in mind that the different varieties could cross-pollinate.
Basil is a Must-Have in the Summer Kitchen
Basil is a delicious and useful herb that’s beginner-gardener-friendly to boot! Growing basil at home is a simple process and will give you access to fresh herbs that will take any recipe to the next level. Plus- unlimited pesto sauce in the summer is a must! If you are not up to growing basil find a good trust worthy source of dried basil here.
If you would like to expand the space you have to grow more basil (or any other herbs and plants) be sure to check out our FREE E-book for building raised garden beds.
Learn More About Culinary Herbs
- Easy Homemade Spring Seasoning Mixes to Make at Home
- How to Make Basil Infused Water - 5 ways
- Rosemary Bush Care and DIY Rosemary Tea
- How to Make Your Own Winter Spice Blends
- How and When to Harvest Herbs: One Stop Guide
- How to Dry Herbs without a Dehydrator
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