Basil is a much-loved herb that is easy to grow, but it does have some specific requirements if you want it to be healthy and productive, particularly if you use potted basil from supermarkets.
Basil emerges as one of the most satisfying herbs to cultivate, flourishing whether positioned on a bright windowsill or tucked into a protected garden corner. Its fragrant foliage serves as a culinary essential, while its modest size makes it ideal for planters or pots.
Although straightforward to maintain, basil remains vulnerable to chilly conditions; it favours temperatures exceeding 15C and will falter outdoors during early spring or autumn months. When sown at the proper moment – typically following the final frost – basil can deliver a plentiful harvest of foliage throughout summer, though it generally doesn’t yield leaves year-round unless cultivated indoors under managed circumstances.
This explains why numerous people choose windowsill basil, similar to horticulture enthusiasts in the Facebook community, Gardening UK-Hints, tips, and advice.
The group’s 168,000 participants exchange their horticultural expertise regularly, including methods to maintain basil that appears full and vigorous.
For those pursuing a flourishing, prolific basil plant, guidance from contributors to the Gardening UK Facebook community proves extremely valuable, reports the Express.
They suggest hydrating basil from the dish underneath the container instead of from above the plant.
This approach helps avoid fungal ailments by maintaining dry leaves and promotes stronger root development.
One contributor, Claire Smith, noted that her shop-bought basil, which she purchased several weeks earlier, is “thriving” due to a methodical watering routine. She explained: “I split the plant into four and planted it in a terracotta pot with multipurpose compost. I keep it at the window where it gets plenty of sunlight.
“Basil loves a lot of water, I fill the saucer with water a couple of times a day and never water from the top. I cut the stems from just above new leaves and never pluck.”
Mary Feenan concurs, suggesting a light mist of water from the bottom tray. She added: “I’ve found that the key to keeping basil healthy is to prune it regularly, make sure it gets enough sunlight, and don’t overwater it.”
Some gardening enthusiasts note that watering basil plants three times a week is sufficient.
While supermarket basil pots can be feeble, group member Nicola Pemberton explained that her method has kept the basil plant in good condition — even in its original pot.
She said, “Usually, I kill them in a few days, but keeping the water in the tray seems to be working for mine now.”
The pruning procedure for basil is simple: continually pinch out the top sets of leaves to encourage bushier growth and prolong harvests.
Removing flower buds before they bloom can also extend leaf production and keep your plant healthy throughout the growing season.
Basil flowers are typically small and appear in clusters at the top of the plant’s stems. Depending on the variety, they can be white, purple, or pink.
Flowering signals the end of the plant’s vegetative growth phase, as it shifts to reproduction by producing seeds. One gardener advised, “Keep trimming it. Don’t let it flower.”