Basil Seeds

Variety of Basil Seeds

Who doesn’t love fresh, fragrant basil? Trust us when we say there’s nothing quite like growing your own, and we have plenty of basil seeds to get you started. Grab some sweet basil seeds for that classic flavour, used for injecting some colour and flavour into all the Italian food classics that you know and love. This basil forms a vital part in pesto and bruschetta, or use it to add a zing to salads and pasta dishes! If you’re after a citrussy twist, shop our lemon basil seeds to add some fantastic flavour to savoury dishes, tea, dessert, and salads. We also stock Thai basil for a peppery hit, and even purple basil for some striking colour in your flowerbeds or planters.

Planting Basil Seed Tips

Growing your own basil adds lush, fragrant foliage to your flowerbeds, and it’s also a useful companion plant to veg and tomatoes, as it’s said to increase the yield and deter certain pests. You can start your basil seeds indoors in seed trays around 6 weeks before your last frost date, or sow directly into the ground once it’s warmed up outside. Enrich the soil with some compost, and plant your basil seeds a couple of millimetres deep. Keep the soil moist – basil doesn’t like drying out, so keep a watering can nearby in warmer months. When your basil plant has grown to 15-20cm, it should be ready for you to pick some leaves! Nip off the top stem just above a pair of leaves, which will encourage new growth.

FAQs

Can I grow basil indoors?

You can absolutely grow basil indoors if you have access to a sunny windowsill! Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Shop our range of plant pots to make sure there’s built-in drainage.

How often should I water my basil?

This depends on how hot it is, and whether it’s in the ground or a pot. You should avoid over-watering, so check the top layer of soil every now and again and water when the first couple of centimetres feels dry.

Can I use basil flowers in cooking?

Basil flowers are edible too, with a slightly milder flavour. They look stunning on top of food, or in drinks!

How do I store fresh basil?

Once they’re picked, basil leaves are a little fragile, so it’s best to use them straight away. If that isn’t an option, you can pop stems into a glass of water to keep them fresher for longer, or store them in a food bag at room temperature – they don’t like the fridge! Alternatively, make your basil into pesto which can then be frozen in ice cube trays. For more top tips like this, read our blog on kitchen hacks to make you cook like a pro!