Basil is more than a beloved culinary herb—it’s a symbol of summer, simplicity, and wellness. Whether you’re growing a kitchen garden for the first time or tending a lush patio full of herbs, basil is always a good place to start.
Why Everyone Loves Basil
Fragrant, flavorful, and forgiving, basil is often the “gateway herb” for beginner gardeners. It thrives in containers, grow bags, and windowsills, and brings beauty and aroma to any growing space. Plus, basil instantly upgrades your cooking, from classic pesto to fresh salads and summer cocktails.
How to Grow Basil Anywhere
Basil grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s ideal for container gardening, especially in grow bags, which are designed to create the perfect growing environment.
Why do grow bags work so well for basil?
- Excellent drainage keeps roots healthy and prevents rot
- Breathable fabric promotes air pruning for strong root systems
- Doesn’t overheat like traditional pots
- Portable—move your garden to follow the sun or avoid storms
In the right soil, with consistent harvests and regular watering, your basil will thrive in a grow bag environment from early spring through fall.
Grow Pro Tips:
- Water consistently (but don’t overdo it)
- Water in the morning
- If temperatures drop below 50°F, bring your garden inside
- Harvest often to extend the life of the plant
- Provide 6–8 hours of sunlight a day
“The most frequently asked question about basil is how to harvest it to keep it growing all summer long.” Grow Pro. “We have outlined a step-by-step guide to keep it simple.”
Harvesting basil is simple—but doing it the right way keeps your plant healthy, productive, and full of flavor all season long.
STEP 1: Start Early, But Not Too Early
Wait until your basil plant is about 6–8 inches tall and has at least 4–6 sets of leaves before your first harvest.
STEP 2: Find the Right Spot to Cut
Look for a spot just above a pair of healthy leaves or a branching node. Snip ¼ inch above that spot.
This encourages two new stems to grow from the node—doubling your harvest over time.
STEP 3: Harvest Strategically
- Harvest from the top third of the plant
- Never remove more than ⅓ of the plant at a time
- Pinch off flowers immediately to prevent bitterness
STEP 4: Harvest Regularly
Weekly harvesting during peak season keeps your basil bushy and flavorful.
STEP 5: Harvest in the Morning
Essential oils are most concentrated early in the day for peak flavor.
STEP 6: Store It Right
- Short-term: Place stems in water like cut flowers
- Long-term: Freeze, dry, or blend into pesto
Grow Pro Tip: Always harvest with gratitude—it’s good for your plant and your mindset.
Basil Companion Plants: Partners in the Garden
Basil is an ideal companion plant. It grows well with:
- Tomatoes: Deters pests, enhances flavor
- Peppers: Repels aphids and mites
- Cucumbers: Helps deter beetles
- Marigolds: Repel pests and attract pollinators
- Oregano, Parsley, Chives: Share similar growing needs
Companion Planting Benefits:
- Natural pest control
- Improved pollination
- Flavor enhancement
Basil Varieties You’ll Love to Grow (and Cook With)
Genovese Basil
The classic! Sweet, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. Perfect for pesto, tomato dishes, and Italian cooking. Its large, tender leaves and rich fragrance make it a garden and kitchen favorite.
Best for: Pesto, Caprese, pasta sauces
Color: Bright green
Texture: Soft, tender
Thai Basil
This bold variety brings a kick of anise and spice, holding up beautifully to heat. A staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, with purple stems and pointed leaves.
Best for: Stir-fries, pho, curries
Flavor profile: Spicy, licorice
Visual: Dark green leaves, purple stems
Lemon Basil
Zesty and bright, lemon basil offers a citrus twist that’s perfect for infusing drinks, dressing seafood, or making herb-forward teas.
Best for: Cocktails, fish, salads
Fragrance: Clean, lemony
Great for: Summer patio gardens
Purple Basil
As striking in color as it is in flavor. Purple basil has a milder, slightly clove-like taste and adds stunning contrast to salads, vinegars, and garnishes.
Best for: Garnishes, herbal vinegars, edible arrangements
Color: Deep burgundy or purple
Flavor: Milder, aromatic
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Used in Ayurvedic medicine, Holy Basil is more medicinal than culinary in Western traditions. It has a bold, clove-like taste and is often steeped into calming teas.
Best for: Teas, wellness tonics
Traditionally used for: Stress relief and immunity
Sacred plant in many cultures
Cinnamon Basil
Spicy and sweet, with a hint of—you guessed it—cinnamon. Excellent in fruit dishes, baked goods, or holiday beverages.
Best for: Fruit desserts, infused syrups, teas
Unique pairing: Apples, honey, citrus
Scent: Warm and spicy
Greek Basil
A tiny-leaved, compact basil with a punchy flavor. Great for small containers and decorative edges.
Best for: Herb pots, small patios
Growth: Dense and rounded
Flavor: Strong, traditional basil taste
Spicy Globe Basil
Bold in flavor and petite in size, this variety grows in a tidy, globe-like shape. A flavorful garnish that looks as good as it tastes.
Best for: Pestos, marinades, borders
Growth: Compact and ornamental
Flavor: Strong, peppery
No matter which variety you choose, basil brings flavor, joy, and vitality to your garden and your kitchen.
Why Basil Is Good for You
Fresh basil is as nutritious as it is delicious. Just 2 tablespoons provides:
- Vitamin K: For bone and heart health
- Vitamin A & C: Antioxidants for skin and immunity
- Iron & Calcium: Support energy and bone strength
- Essential Oils (like Eugenol): Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial
Wellness Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation
- Boosts immunity
- Aids digestion
- Supports stress relief (especially Holy Basil)
- Freshens breath and boosts mood
Brush your hand across a basil plant and feel instantly better—it’s aromatherapy in your garden.
A few of our favorite ways to enjoy fresh basil.
Basil Recipes from Top Chefs & Food Creators
Chef Billy Parisi: Classic Basil Pesto
A traditional pesto with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Bobby Flay: Penne with Tomatoes & Basil
A simple, flavorful pasta that showcases summer ingredients.
Chef John: Thai Basil Chicken
Spicy, savory, and packed with authentic Thai flavor.
Meredith Hayden: Blueberry-Basil Lemonade
Bright, fruity, and garden-party perfect.
Love and Lemons: Basil Vinaigrette
Fresh, zesty dressing for salads or roasted veggies.
Bonus: Basil Cocktail Recipe – The Garden Gimlet
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin (or vodka)
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 4–5 fresh basil leaves
- Optional: soda water, garnish
Directions:
- Muddle basil with syrup
- Add gin and lime
- Shake with ice, strain
- Garnish with a basil leaf
Make it extra: Try lemon basil, top with prosecco, or add fresh berries
