Growing guide
How to grow basil
A warm-season herb that thrives in hydroponics and sells well to kitchens.
At a glance
- Planting window
- Outdoors February – July · Hydroponic year-round
- Duration
- Harvest from 4–5 weeks for months
- Climate
- 20–30 °C
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained mix or hydroponic media; pH 5.5–6.5
- Water need
- Moderate
- Yield
- Repeated cuttings over several months.
What to do, and when
Dates assume planting around 1 Mar. Change the plan to shift them.
- 2–3 weeks before — Sow in plugs: Warm spot.
- Day 0 — Transplant: Into the system or pot.
- Months 2–5 — Pinch above a leaf pair weekly: Remove flower buds.
Varieties to consider
Buy certified seed or planting material from an authorised source.
- Genovese · Thai basil — Italian sweet basil and anise-scented Thai basil.
Water
- Keep evenly moist; hydroponic flow constant.
Pests and diseases to watch
Prevent first; spray only when needed, with a product registered for the crop, at label dose.
- Aphids and whitefly (undefined) — undefined Treatment: undefined
- Downy mildew (undefined) — undefined Treatment: undefined
What would you like to do next?
Read more on Agriculture Novel
Where these numbers come from
- Common grower practice in north India Widely followed by farmers; confirm with your KVK for your block.
- Standard plant science