Countertop Harvest
By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated
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Can you grow basil indoors?
Yes. Iowa State Extension lists basil among the herbs that grow well indoors, alongside parsley, chives, mint, oregano and thyme. Basil is the most light-hungry and cold-sensitive of that group, so most indoor basil problems come down to light, water and warmth. Get those three right and it is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow in a kitchen.
Indoor basil at a glance
| Need | What extension sources say |
|---|---|
| Light | At least 6–8 hours of bright light (UMN); or 12–16 hours a day under grow lights on a timer (Iowa State). |
| Pot | Drainage holes are a must. One herb species per container (Iowa State). |
| Soil | Well-drained soilless mix; Maryland suggests 2 parts mix to 1 part perlite. |
| Temperature | Keep above 50°F; basil is damaged by cold. |
| Water | When the surface starts to dry, thoroughly, with room-temperature water (Maryland). |
| Harvest | Start at 6–10 inches; cut above a leaf pair about twice a month (UC Master Gardeners). |
How to grow basil indoors, step by step
- Pick a sunny spot or a grow light. Basil needs at least 6–8 hours of bright light indoors (UMN Extension). A south-facing window is best; otherwise run an LED grow light 12–16 hours a day (Iowa State).
- Use a pot with drainage and a soilless mix. University of Maryland suggests a well-drained soilless potting mix, such as two parts mix to one part perlite, in a pot with drainage holes.
- Sow seeds shallowly or split a grocery pot. Sow a few seeds per pot and keep the mix evenly moist until they sprout. Grocery-store basil is many seedlings crammed together; split it into 2–3 pots.
- Keep it warm. Basil is cold-sensitive and can't survive temperatures below 50°F, so keep it off cold glass at night.
- Water when the top inch is dry. Water thoroughly until it drains, then empty the saucer. Soggy soil is a common cause of yellow leaves.
- Pinch and harvest from the top. Once the plant is 6–10 inches tall, cut stems just above a pair of leaves about twice a month, and pinch off flower buds (UC Master Gardeners).
Seeds, cuttings or a grocery-store pot?
- Seeds: cheapest, and you can sow again every 2 weeks for a steady supply (Illinois Extension).
- Grocery-store pot: the fastest start, but it's dozens of seedlings in one pot. Split it into 2–3 pots or most will die off. See why indoor basil dies.
How much light does indoor basil need?
More than most herbs. UMN Extension says at least 6–8 hours of bright light indoors, and Iowa State notes that providing enough light indoors is especially hard in winter. If stems stretch and leaves stay small, the plant needs more light. A full-spectrum LED on a 12–16 hour timer fixes this in almost any kitchen; our grow light buying guide compares options, and how much light herbs need covers hours and distance.
Under-cabinet LED bar
e.g. Modern Sprout Smart Growbar
- 15" full-spectrum bar, 4000K natural white
- App schedules, timers and brightness
- Maker suggests 10–16" above established plants
Smart garden with built-in light
e.g. Click & Grow Smart Garden 3
- 3 pre-seeded smart-soil pods (basil pods available)
- Built-in 8W light on an automatic cycle
- Water tank; no pump or plant food to dose
Harvesting basil so it keeps growing
Cut each stem just above a pair of leaves instead of picking single leaves; two new shoots grow from that joint. Pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear, because leaf production declines once herbs flower (University of Maryland). Full walkthrough: how to prune and harvest basil.
Common indoor basil problems
- Tall, leggy stems: not enough light.
- Yellow lower leaves with damp soil: overwatering or poor drainage.
- Black spots after a cold night: chill damage; move it away from the glass.
- Flowers and bitter leaves: bolting; pinch buds and harvest from the top.
More fixes in why is my indoor basil dying? Starting a whole herb shelf? See the best herbs to grow indoors and your first week growing herbs.
Next herb to try: how to grow cilantro indoors.
Sources
- UMN Extension: Growing basil
- Iowa State Extension: Growing herbs indoors
- University of Maryland Extension: Growing herbs in containers and indoors
- Illinois Extension: Basil
- UC Master Gardeners (Placer County): maximizing your basil harvest
- University of Maryland Extension: harvesting and preserving herbs
Frequently asked questions
Is basil easy to grow indoors?
Yes, if it gets enough light. Iowa State Extension lists basil among herbs that grow well indoors, but it needs more light than most.
How much light does indoor basil need?
At least 6–8 hours of bright light (UMN Extension), or 12–16 hours a day under a grow light on a timer (Iowa State).
How often should I water indoor basil?
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, then empty the saucer. Soggy soil causes yellow leaves.
How cold is too cold for basil?
Basil can't survive temperatures below 50°F, so keep it away from cold windows at night.
When can I start harvesting basil?
UC Master Gardeners suggest waiting until it is 6–10 inches tall, then cutting just above a leaf pair about twice a month.