How long will an indoor basil plant live?

Indoor basil will live for six months at the most. This is an improvement over the three to five months that it can survive outdoors, but it is still not a perennial, even with the best care. If you keep your basil indoors, provide it with a grow light, or keep it in a sunny but not a drafty window.

Do basil plants have a lifespan?

The lifespan of a basil plant is less than one year in any climate that experiences frost. Annual garden herbs like basil die with the first frost, roots and all. It won't perk back up in spring after the winter freeze.

How do you keep basil alive indoors?

Water regularly

Basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist. Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering. Your goal when growing basil in a container is to keep the soil from drying out.

Does indoor basil last all year?

When you grow basil indoors, you will have an endless supply of this aromatic herb for your culinary dishes. Friends and family will enjoy harvesting basil for their meals, plus they will be impressed with your year-round green thumb!

What is the life cycle of a basil plant?

Sweet basil is an annual,which basically means that the plant cycle lasts just one year, they germinate from seed, grow to maturity,and produce new seeds within one year. They are quick to germinate from seed or root from cuttings.

Basil, How To Grow More Than You Can Eat

Does basil regrow after cutting?

When you clip basil stems back to a fresh set of leaves, you force those leaves to grow, doubling the basil produced on that stem. And as those stems grow, you can pinch them back and double their production – it's exponential!

Why is my indoor basil plant dying?

The reason for a dying basil plant is usually because of dry soil due to underwatering or the pot is too small and the soil has dried out too quickly in the sun and in high temperatures. Basil needs consistently moist soil to prevent the plant from wilting, turning brown and dying.

How do I keep my supermarket basil plant alive?

Like a box of instant cake mix, basil plants just need water. Keep the soil of your basil plants slightly moist at all times. Depending on how much sun your basil gets, you might need to water your basil plant every 1-2 days. But make sure that the pot has good drainage, because soggy soil can lead to rotting roots.

Can you grow basil indoors over winter?

If you already have a favorite basil plant that produces lots of tasty leaves, there's no reason why you can't keep enjoying it indoors throughout the fall and winter. Placed in a cozy spot on a sunny windowsill, it will thrive throughout the cold months. Come summer, you can replant it outdoors.

Is basil a perennial indoors?

Is Basil A Perennial Or Annual Herb? Basil is one of the most beloved annual herb which means it does not grow back after a year. It tends to thrive in warm soil temperatures and sunny conditions.

How do you grow basil indoors year round?

Basil growing indoors requires at least six hours of sunlight. Basil plants should be placed in a sunny window, preferably facing south. Otherwise, these potted plants may need to be grown under fluorescent lights. With this type of lighting, basil plants will need about 10 hours of light for healthy growth.

Is it better to grow basil inside or outside?

Basil grows well outdoors in the ground, a container, or a raised bed. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Choose a location that gets 6-8 hours of full sunlight every day.

When should you repot basil?

Repot basil again into a larger container when its roots fill the pot. Harvest the outer leaves frequently, and pinch off basil flowers, to prolong the plant's life. Greek or globe basil (Ocimum basilicum "Spicy Globe") grows 6 to 12 inches tall, has tiny leaves and a spicy flavor, and grows well in containers.

How do you keep basil alive in the winter?

The key to keeping your basil plant alive during the winter is to provide it with as much light as possible. A great solution to this problem is shifting to artificial light sources in the darker winter months. Around 12 hours of light and keeping the soil warm and drained from excess of water is a good starting point.

Why can't I keep basil alive?

1 – Too Much or Too Little Watering

It's easier to add water to a thirsty plant than it is to help a drowned plant recover. The most common cause of a basil plant dying is root rot and that's caused by too much water.

Do you have to replant basil every year?

Also known as common or sweet basil, basil (U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 11 for outdoor gardens) is a true annual, which means it needs to be replanted each season. In most circumstances, it does not grow back after a year.

What do you do with basil at the end of the season?

In a few weeks, your basil plants will be ready to harvest again. Final Harvest: At the end of the season (before the first frost), cut the stems to the ground and pick off all the leaves. Add the stems to the compost pile, and bring the leaves indoors for an afternoon of cooking and preserving.

Should I let basil flower?

If you are cultivating basil strictly for its leaves, it is best to remove the flowers. Pinching basil blooms back will allow all of the plant's energy to stay focused on foliage production, creating a bushier plant with more leaves and maintaining higher levels of essential oils in the leaves.

Is basil a good indoor plant?

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, and its delicious flavor and culinary popularity make it a must-have for gardeners and cooks alike. With the proper conditions, basil grown indoors can be just as successful (if not more so) than plants that are grown outdoors.

How often should you water a basil plant indoors?

Indoor basil generally requires watering every 3 to 4 days. When first starting out growing basil, or when you try growing basil in different conditions than you're used to (a new place in your garden, a different sized pot, etc), monitor soil moisture daily.

What is the easiest herb to grow indoors?

The Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors

Or if you forgot to plant them, you don't need to wait until next spring. Basil, oregano, mint, chives, sage, rosemary, and thyme are the easiest herbs to grow indoors, whether you have them in the garden already or wish to plant them now.

Is basil perpetual?

For use all year round, you can dry or freeze the leaves. Basil can be used in fragrant bouquets. (Ocimum is from a Greek verb that means “to be fragrant”.) It is a perpetual ingredient in Italian, Mediterranean, and Thai recipes.

Is basil plant annual?

Basil is a half-hardy annual, so new plants will be needed each year. However, in autumn, when temperatures start to dip, bring a few plants back indoors to provide a fresh supply of leaves in winter.