How long does basil take to grow from seed?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Basil growing from seed takes time and a careful balance of conditions. The journey begins with germination, which, under ideal conditions, can take anywhere from 5 to 10 days. Seeds require a temperature range of 70-85°F and constant moisture during this period. You can place a plastic wrap over the seeds. The plastic wrap will capture the humidity necessary for germination.
It takes seedlings approximately 4 to 6 weeks to develop true leaves. The vegetative stage requires 14-16 hours of bright light each day. If the light is insufficient, stems will be weak and leggy. Water the seedlings to maintain soil moisture without causing waterlogging or saturation. Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding, which limits growth and increases the likelihood of disease.
Temperature Control
- Use heating mats to maintain 75°F soil temperature
- Cover seedlings with plastic domes at night
- Avoid cold drafts below 60°F that halt growth
Light Optimization
- Position LED grow lights 4-6 inches above seedlings
- Use reflective surfaces to maximize light intensity
- Rotate trays daily for even exposure
Nutrition Management
- Apply half-strength fish emulsion weekly after first true leaves
- Add mycorrhizal fungi to root zone during transplanting
- Use compost tea for microbial soil enrichment
Seedlings are ready to transplant when they are 6 inches tall with 4-6 true leaves. Seedlings should be hardened off for 7-10 days before moving outdoors. Plant into garden beds only when the soil temperature is consistently higher than 65°F, as cold soils below 60°F will induce transplant shock.
The first harvest is noted to occur 10 to 12 weeks after seeding. To start harvesting, pinch the top leaves after your plant has 6 to 8 sets of true leaves. This will promote the plant to grow bushier. If harvesting regularly, it will allow the plant to stay productive for a longer period. Do not cut more than one-third of the plant at one time.
Growth frequencies vary by variety. Genovese habanero peppers grow rapidly and can be harvested in as little as 8 weeks. Purple basil and other varieties are often 12-14 weeks. Temperature is the key variable, as plants will not grow below 60°F and grow faster above 75°F.
Read the full article: When to Plant Basil for Best Results
