Basil in a pot: warmth, watering and a useful harvest

Start warm and bright

In the UK, sow indoors from spring into summer; the RHS suggests March to July. Use seed compost and a warm germination position. Grow seedlings on in good light. Move plants outdoors only after frost risk has passed and conditions are warm; basil dislikes cold, damp weather.

Water the pot, then check the result

Keep compost moist during active growth without leaving roots standing in water. Direct water to the compost and let the pot drain. A hot windowsill and a cool kitchen can produce very different drying times. Check the actual pot rather than watering every basil plant to the same schedule.

Harvest for another meal

Pinch shoot tips to encourage branching, leaving healthy leaves below the cut. Remove flower buds if you want the plant to keep producing leaves. Pick a little from several shoots instead of cutting the whole plant back before it has established.

What to do when summer ends

Basil is not a reliably hardy outdoor herb in the UK. Bring a healthy pot to a warm, bright indoor position before cold weather, but expect reduced growth as daylight falls. A replacement sowing can be more practical than trying to rescue a declining supermarket pot indefinitely.

If the leaves look unhappy

Before adding feed, check cold draughts, soggy compost and whether the pot has enough light. Inspect stems and leaf undersides for insects. Record what you changed, and look for healthy new growth rather than expecting damaged leaves to become perfect again.

Keep growing

Growing references

• RHS: basil growing guide

Timings refer to UK conditions. Check the exact species, local weather and the instructions supplied with your plant.