Perhaps you’re wondering about growing basil indoors because you want to keep a living basil from the supermarket alive, or to continue growing your potted garden basil. Either way, the answer is ‘yes‘, basil can grow indoors in pots year round under the right conditions and care.

It’s easy to grow basil in the garden where it tends to thrive with very little attention. But you can also succeed at growing basil indoors in pots if you’re willing to give your basil plants a little extra care.

To help you succeed in that, next up are some general guidelines for growing basil indoors.

7 Tips for Growing Basil in Pots Indoors

1. Light: Basil requires plenty of light. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so place it in or near a sunny window if possible. If you don’t have a window that gets enough light, you can also use fluorescent or LED grow lights.

2. Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, especially if you’re regularly harvesting leaves for cooking.

3. Pruning: Regular pruning encourages fuller and more productive growth. That’s a win-win because it means that you get rewarded with fresh basil to put to use while encouraging health new growth. To prune, just pinch or snip off the top sets of leaves when the plant is about six inches tall and continue to pinch it back as it grows.

Also, pinch off any flower buds as soon as you see them to encourage the plant to focus energy on foliage growth. But put those blossoms to good use in salads, garnish, tea, and for marinating in oil to make basil infused oil.

4. Replanting: Even with good care, indoor basil plants can become woody or leggy over time. Starting new plants from seeds or cuttings every few months ensures a continuous supply of fresh, vigorous plants.

5. Soil: Use well-draining potting soil. Basil doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged soil, so a pot with a drainage hole is also essential.

6. Temperature: Basil prefers warmer temperatures, and even thrive in heat. Ideal temperatures for growing basil are said to be between 70°F and 80°F during the day, and no lower than 50°F at night. Make sure it’s kept in a location with consistent temperature.

7. Watering: Basil doesn’t like to be overly saturated with water. Wait until the top of the soil is dry to the touch before watering. Then water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.

We started using a plant water gauge after having some issues with our Meyer lemon trees, because sometimes the finger test doesn’t indicate if the root are waterlogged.

Tips From the Community

“I love growing basil indoors. I usually start them in hydroponics/ aeroponics them move them into pots.”
~Debie Baugher

In Summary

So yes, it takes extra care to grow healthy basil can grow indoors. But we think it’s totally worth it. Perhaps especially in winter so that you’re getting some of the freshest, most nutrient rich herbs to boost immunity and mood.

Besides, it will also help to soothe that gardening desire to GROW SOMETHING! 🌿👩🏻‍🌾🌸

Another good reason to grow basil year round? The wonderful basil seed benefits and uses! You may also enjoy growing basil microgreens!