Basil Herb Seeds Packet

$2.35

2025 Seed Prices

  • Order 1-95 assorted packets for $2.35 each
  • Order 96-499 assorted packets for $1.85 each
  • Order 500 or more assorted packets for $1.65 each

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), an aromatic herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), is widely used in culinary and medicinal applications. This easy-to-grow herb thrives in warm temperatures, full sun, and well-drained soil. With proper pruning and maintenance, basil will continue to produce flavorful leaves throughout the growing season. Whether grown in gardens or containers, basil is a must-have herb for any gardener.

SKU: SEBASI
Barcode: 843458160595

Product Detail

Order in multiples of: 12

  • Year Designed: 2024
Quick Seed Overview
  • Plant Type: Annual
  • Genus: Ocimum
  • Species: Basilicum
  • Plant Height/Width: 1–2 ft tall x 1–2 ft wide
  • Season: Late spring or Early summer
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Difficulty: Easy

Why Shido Seeds Are the Best

Our flower and vegetable seeds are beautifully packaged little packets of magic. Guaranteed to turn your garden into the envy of the neighborhood. Get your hands dirty and let nature simply do its thing.

How to Plant Basil from Seed

When to Plant Seeds

  • Outdoors: After the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are above 50°F (10°C).
  • Indoors: Start seeds 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.

Preparing the Planting Site

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  2. Enrich soil with organic compost to boost fertility.

Sowing Seeds Outdoors

  1. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and 10-12 inches apart.
  2. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
  3. Germination occurs within 5-10 days, depending on warmth.
  4. Once seedlings reach 3-4 inches tall, thin them to 6-12 inches apart.

Caring for Young Plants

  • Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Pinch off the tops of your basil plants regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering, which can make the leaves bitter. Plant in well-draining soil, keep it consistently moist, and give it plenty of sunlight.

Bonus: Harvest often—more picking means more basil!

Getting to know your Basil

Basil is a fragrant, tender annual herb belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is native to tropical regions and requires warm temperatures, full sun, and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Basil plants range from 12 to 24 inches in height and produce bright green, ovate leaves with a slightly glossy surface. Various cultivars exist, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil, each with distinct flavors and appearances. Basil is widely used in culinary applications, particularly in Italian, Thai, and Mediterranean cuisines. The plant blooms in summer, producing small white or purple flowers that attract pollinators. To encourage bushier growth, gardeners should pinch off flowers as they appear. Basil requires consistent moisture but should not sit in soggy soil. It is highly sensitive to cold temperatures and must be grown in warm conditions.

What it's used for

1. Culinary Uses:

  • Commonly used in pasta dishes, sauces, salads, and soups.
  • Key ingredient in pesto sauce and pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
  • Thai basil is used in stir-fries and Asian dishes.

2. Medicinal Benefits:

  • Contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
  • Aids in digestion, stress relief, and immune support.

3. Companion Planting & Garden Benefits:

  • Repels mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies.
  • Enhances the growth and flavor of tomatoes and peppers when planted nearby.

Growth Requirements

Light:

  • Prefers full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily).
  • Can tolerate partial shade, but growth may be slower.

Soil:

  • Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
  • Adding organic compost enhances growth.

Watering:

  • Requires consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering.
  • Water at the base to prevent fungal diseases.

Temperature & Climate:

  • Prefers warm temperatures (70-90°F/21-32°C).
  • Frost-sensitive; should be grown after the last frost.

Fertilization:

  • Benefits from light feeding with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
Maintenance

Pruning:

  • Pinch off flower buds to encourage leafy growth.
  • Regular harvesting prevents leggy growth and maintains a bushy shape.

Watering:

  • Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on climate.
  • Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.

Mulching:

  • Apply a thin layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture.

Container Growing:

  • Use pots with drainage holes and well-aerated soil.
  • Bring pots indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Harvesting

  1. For Fresh Use:
    Harvest leaves once the plant has at least 6-8 leaves.
    Pinch off the top above a leaf pair to encourage bushy growth.
  2. For Drying & Storing:
    Air-dry basil in a warm, shaded area.
    Store dried leaves in an airtight container.
  3. For Seeds:
    Allow some plants to flower and form seed pods.
    Once dried, collect seeds and store them for next season.
Pests and Diseases

Pests:

  • Aphids & Spider Mites – Use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • Slugs & Snails – Handpick or apply diatomaceous earth.

Diseases:

  • Powdery Mildew & Root Rot – Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering.
  • Downy Mildew – Grow in full sun and space plants adequately.

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Pretty Pots for Pretty Plants

Your plants work hard to look good—shouldn’t their pots do the same? Choose from our gorgeous flower pots and let your greenery thrive in style. Because plain plastic is just rude.