Care schedule
- Watering
- Regularly, keep soil moist Source: University of Minnesota Extension
- Feeding
- Once or twice per season Source: University of Minnesota Extension
- Light
- Full sun, 6–8 hours daily Source: University of Minnesota Extension
- Frost
- Sensitive — protect or bring inside below about 34°F · typical
Each line links to its published source. Your pot, light, season and climate matter more than the calendar.
Care tips
- Pinch flower buds to keep leaves coming.
- Harvest from the top, just above a leaf pair.
- Very cold-sensitive; plant out after nights stay above 50°F.
In GoodKeap
Save your basil to get these reminders in Upkeap, log each watering and feeding, add progress photos, and see weather prompts for your address.
From university extension guides
Each line links to the published guidance it came from.
Light
Full sun, 6–8 hours daily
Basil requires a sunny location receiving at least six to eight hours of bright light per day for optimal growth.
Source: University of Minnesota ExtensionChecked Oct 2026
Watering
Regularly, keep soil moist
Plants should be watered regularly to prevent wilting, ensuring the soil remains well-drained.
Source: University of Minnesota ExtensionChecked Oct 2026
Feeding
Once or twice per season
Apply a commercial fertilizer sparingly once or twice during the growing season at a rate of 3 ounces per 10 feet of row.
Source: University of Minnesota ExtensionChecked Oct 2026