Let’s take a look at a few tips for growing basil indoors. Flower production of basil plants should always be avoided. That is, how are you going to utilize all that fresh basil while it’s at its peak and at the final harvest? Lavender, basil and rosemary are some of the most difficult herbs to keep alive, new research has found.. Do you struggle to keep indoor plants blooming? Certainly one of the more popular herbs, basil is a tender annual in most cases. You will find it all from homemade beauty recipes, health remedies, craft ideas, gardening, cooking, family and more.. It wasn’t your over or under watering that did it! Basil requires good drainage, so select a container with a bottom drainage hole to avoid rot. Using this method will require you to set up a spot with fluorescent lights or specifically designed high intensity lights. There are two options for this: natural lighting and artificial lighting. Keep in mind the cold tolerance of basil and wait until overnight lows are above 50 degrees F. (10 C.) before setting out transplants. Now, time to get your indoor project started With the right type of lighting, pottery, soil and temperature you’ll be certain that you can enjoy the flavors and health benefits of your favorite herb year around. For one, you need to lessen the amount of drainage indoor to make sure you don’t ruin your tabletop or windowsill by letting your potted basil drain on it. Cut about three-quarters of the length of the basil stems and keep only the leaves with a strong green color, removing the yellow-ish or dried ones. However, sweet basil is meant to live its life cycle within one year and thereafter go to seed. Plant up each clump into … Ice Cubes With Herbs – Saving Herbs In Ice Cube Trays, Drying Fruits And Vegetables: Drying Fruit For Long-Term Storage, Basil Plant Uses – Have You Tried These Strange Uses For Basil, Mulching With Oyster Shells: How Crushed Oyster Shells Help Plants, Unique Paving Ideas – Creative Ways To Use Pavers In The Garden, Sensory Walkway Ideas – Creating Sensory Garden Paths, What Is An Invasive Plant: Reasons To Avoid Exotic Plants In Gardens, Yellow Dahlia Foliage: What Causes Dahlia Leaves To Turn Yellow, Established Plants Are Tall And Leggy: What To Do For Leggy Plant Growth, Tips For Growing A Weeping Forsythia Shrub, Cut Flower Gardening: Growing Flowers For Others, Pieces Of Garden Wisdom – Gardening Tips For Beginners, Garden Renovation: Giving Life To Neglected Garden Beds, Ordering Plants: Planning The Spring Garden Begins In Winter. At the end of the season, though, you can try to keep it alive by moving potted basil indoors. The same can be done with lemon balm, mint, or shiso. Sign up for our newsletter. The cold tolerance of basil begins to suffer when the mercury drops into the 40’s (F.) but really affects the plant at 32 degrees F. (0 C.). Keep removing flowers. Basil is no exception. Buying potted basil isn't just for green thumbs. However, if you decide to store your basil for the post harvest season, do it! To keep your basil plant alive and thriving, you need to provide some basic care and check the plant regularly for insects. That said, it is also pungent when dried. There's nothing like fresh basil leaves, but dried basil has a lot of use in the kitchen. Unless you are moving and growing the herb in a greenhouse, the hot temperatures and direct sunlight that basil thrives in are not usually found in the average person’s home, so be sure to provide as much light as possible; artificial lighting for 10-12 hours a day during the darker winter months. Step 2: Choose a planter. Regularly plucking leaves actually helps encourage the plant to grow. Or, mix the chopped basil with a bit of olive oil and then freeze in ice cube trays. You can try to keep basil through the winter. Trim out the smallest and weakest plants by snipping them off at soil level to leave a maximum of five strong seedlings per clump. Moving your favorite herb indoors and continuing its growth can be easy and even more convenient. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s posts later this week on jarring bread & butter pickles and making homemade Italian sauce with fresh tomatoes from the garden. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stored in this manner, dried basil will keep for one year. I miss the fresh aroma and tender flavor of fresh picked basil during the winter. However, for those who do not live in a tropical climate where Basil can thrive all year round and easily reseed themselves, it could be a challenge to keep your Basil growing healthily during the winter months. If you live in warmer or tropical region then you can go ahead and plant basil in your garden. Buy a small potted basil from your grocer’s produce department. You owe it to your fragile specimen to keep it alive. There are a couple of other varieties of basil that are hardier and tend towards a perennial life cycle. Growing basil in water during the winter months is actually preferable, as you don't have to worry about your soil molding. You can also grow basil fairly easily in a bright window, however, do not dig it up from the garden as you would with other herbs. Put the whole in in a refrigerator. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Plant protection in winter can take many forms: you can warm the soil, you can wrap a shrub, you can block the wind. Also, when you let your plants sit in water they will rot and be ruined. Growing basil indoors is the best way to protect the plant from dying from colder weather. It’s best to select a light potting mix that contains a high percentage of organic matter. First, make sure you give your plants enough water (daily) and sunlight (more than 6 hours of a day). Most herbs thrive in sunny Mediterranean-like conditions in well-draining soil. Instead of buying a cut bunch of basil at the supermarket, check to see if they also sell small potted basil plants. Cut them back to 1 inch tall and, using a sharp shovel, divide them at their base, making sure to include the roots so each one will fit into the container. Choosing the Right Soil. Wash the stems and leave to air dry in a warm, dry, well ventilated room for a week or so. Andy Redding is a lifetime gardening enthusiast and passionate believer in a healthy, natural lifestyle. Instead, try a glazed or plastic container that won’t dry out as quickly as clay. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Your plant may not grow much in winter, but it should survive and be ready to go outdoors next spring. When purchasing your soil, choose a mixture that is formulated for foliage plants opposed to one formulated for flower production. This is especially important to consider if you live in a dry climate or are growing herbs indoors during winter when the heater is running. Caring for Herbs Indoors With this knowledge, it is best to be prepared to either purchase another plant or start your own from seed in the spring. This is especially important to consider if you live in a dry climate or are growing herbs indoors during winter when the heater is running. Take out the indoor basil plant to your sunny porch, rooftop, or balcony, when the weather is good, at least once a week. The recommendation is that for every 1 hour of direct sunlight, your plants need 2 hours of fluorescent light. Unless you are moving and growing the herb in a greenhouse , the hot temperatures and direct sunlight that basil thrives in are not usually found in the average person’s home, so be sure to provide as much light as possible; artificial lighting for 10-12 hours a day during the darker winter months. Ultimately, the best way to keep any plant fresh is to keep it alive. Specifically, sweet basil, the popular variety of basil grown for use in the most sublime pesto sauces, is an annual. Water the pot just enough to keep the soil from drying out. These usually come in biodegradable “pots” and are typically sold right next to the fresh cut herbs. Use well-draining planting mix in the containers and plant each herb in a separate pot. Both Safeway and Fred Meyers carries them. Place your plant in the sunniest, warmest window you have, or give the plant extra light with a fluorescent light. Basil is one of most popular plants in herb gardening around the world, and their flavorful leaves are a wonderful addition to any home cooking. I know basil needs lots of sun, and I've usually managed to keep plants going, if not vigorously, through the short days of winter, but this year is the worst. and water reasonably sparingly, but leave it on the kitchen window-sill in the sunlight. Still, others may keep rosemary inside as part of a year-round, windowsill herb garden. At the end of the season, though, you can try to keep it alive by moving potted basil indoors. I transfer mine to a house-plant pot full of compost. Wonders of Sweet Basil (Migraines, Insomnia, Colds & Flu). Remember these tips when growing under artificial light: When growing indoors you may want to take a few other things under consideration that you otherwise might not think about when growing outdoors. You need to make sure that the soil holds moisture but is never soggy. Dig in-ground basil plants, pot them and bring them indoors for the winter, as basil won't tolerate frost. With that thought in mind, at the end of season basil harvest, can you keep the basil through winter? Instead, place your potted plant on top of a saucer, liner or drain pan to catch water and protect you surface. One of the best places to grow indoors is in your kitchen if you have access to natural light there. The basil should keep for up to 6 months. You can definitely keep a healthy basil plant indoors, but you’ll want to make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. A basil plant is easy to care for and easy to find. Step 1: Buy one or two bunches of basil (usually about three plants are inside each package). You can also make some fabulous pesto sauce and freeze it in batches. Plant the basil in a sturdy container filled with commercial potting soil. Keep these tips in mind, and good luck with your next indoor basil project! Hand's down the best way to store basil in to put the bunch in a glass or jar filled with water, just like flowers. Select the herbs you want to keep growing over winter, such as chives, oregano, sage and thyme. Although clay pots help with drainage, they can also dry out quickly. Home » Bringing Basil Indoors For The Winter You may try to keep basil through the winter, however, sweet basil is meant to live its life cycle within one year and then go to seed. As an avid writer and gardener, he enjoys learning and exploring old and new tricks to better his life, and those of others. Just make sure you don’t put it right next to an air conditioner, where it could get too cold. Instead, try a glazed or plastic container that won’t dry out as quickly as clay. The easiest way to keep basil fresh is to keep it alive! Growing basil and other herbs at your own home is a great way to introduce gardening and a healthy lifestyle to your every day life. Here are 10 ideas to keep your plants happy in the cold, dark months: Burlap Plant Cover. Before the basil plants began to fade in their pots I’ll take a few more cuttings and start the process over again and hopefully keep the fresh basil growing until spring when I can plant the plants outside again. Since basil’s sweet, fresh flavor is fleeting, it’s wise to have a game plan for basil care after season. The easiest way is in the oven: Remove basil leaves from the stem, wash, and pat dry with a paper towel. Basil needs between 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. This method will require that you provide the plants with at least ten hours of light exposure to remain healthy. Basil is a unique herb in that it prefers a nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil that drains easily. Yup, I've got a 99p basil plant that I bought about 6 months ago. Once the herb has dried, remove the leaves from the stems and store the leaves either whole or ground in an airtight container away from heat and bright light. You can freeze entire leaves in small batches in small plastic bags or chop them and place them in an ice cube tray with a bit of water. At the end of the season, though, you may try to keep it alive by moving potted basil indoors to enjoy them for months to come. I keep my overwintered herbs right next to a large, north-facing sliding glass door all winter. You are quite right - if you keep them too moist, they go pale and die, plus they lose flavour. If you’re not concerned with actual production of the plant, and you’re just wanting to keep the plant alive until the following spring, light from a window will likely be enough. Freezing your basil also results in a flavor more akin to fresh. Instead, either start new plants from seed, buy a small plant to grow indoors, or take cuttings from one of your existing plants. 4 Ways to Preserve Basil For the Winter Months: 1. The pots of herbs that you find at the supermarket are designed to die. The herb may not die, but basil cold damage will be in evidence. If you’re using very high intensity lighting, keep them about two to four feet above the plants. I've always had a problem with keeping my basil healthy during the winter, but this year in particular I've lost the entire pot full plus three new plants I've gotten from my produce market. Sewing-Crocheting-Knitting-Cross Stitch-Quilting, Preserving Basil – Harvest Basil Now for Year Round Enjoyment, Five House Plants to Grow in a Sunny Position, The Showstopper Dessert of the Holiday Season, Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Vegetables. Deadheading will increase the vegetative growth and life of your basil plant. Trim the cut ends, put the bunch in a glass, jar, or vase of water that will fit in the fridge, and cover the whole thing, or at least the basil leaves, with a plastic bag. Skip the spice aisle dry it out yourself. There really is nothing like it, and I pine for spring when I can cultivate it again. Basil Likes to Be Picked. The good news is that most households keep their temperatures at a great level for growing basil. Generally, the end of summer or first part of fall heralds the end of season basil harvest, but is there a way to extend basil’s life at the end of the season? Grow supermarket basil this way and you’ll have dozens of plants that will thrive all year long. Growing in your cooking area allows you to conveniently snip your herbs and instantly use them in your meals. Even so, the plant may linger for a time, but it will succumb at some point. You can get more information on growing other food plants– even tomatoes– inside over the winter during a free clas s presented by Arbordale at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Clearfield Library, 770 Hopkins Rd., Amherst. You have entered an incorrect email address! If you haven’t already brought your basil plant inside, do it now– a freeze can kill your basil. Too much competition can weaken basil plants, use a big pot with nitrogen-rich and well-drained soil to make sure they get all the nutrients needed. As previously mentioned, basil is an annual in most cases. So if you’re comfortable, it’s likely that your basil is too. This is the place to be! Depending on the season, you can find it in the produce department alongside the packaged stuff in … Best to keep it in a pot and move it inside for the winter. How do you keep Basil plants alive? Keep your fluorescent lights about 2-3 inches away from the tops of your plants, and keep higher output and compact fluorescent lamps about a foot above the tips of your herbs. Plus, you'll have the fragrance and taste of fresh rosemary in your kitchen all winter. However, you need to follow few ways to keep basil plant alive. Growing basil all year around depends on soil condition, climate condition and water condition. Basil is best used fresh. Once frozen, remove the cubes of basil and store in airtight containers in the freezer for future use. Freezing basil allows you to keep the brilliant green color which complements food so beautifully, while drying the herb turns it to an unpleasant brown. Most people grow basil indoor during the winter for obvious reasons, but you can really grow basil indoor anytime of the year. Set your oven to the lowest temperature and place the basil leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Keep pots of basil alive by planting the strongest plants into their own pots. Just because it’s the winter season doesn’t mean that you have to stop growing your basil. North-facing windows are not bright enough to provide the necessary 4 hours of direct sunlight. After the flowering period ends or when you see it dying, clip 2-3 cuttings and propagate them to have new basil plants. Keep the humidity high by misting often, and place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. If you are unable to grow under natural light, you can always grow indoors using artificial light. This is also a great way to make more basil plants throughout the year for planting in … Some of the most popular herbs are both perennial and evergreen, which makes it tempting to let them do their own thing. Using a dehydrator or simply preserving the foliage by air drying in a warm, dry well ventilated room for a week or so is a great way to extend the life of this herb. At the end of the season, though, you can try to keep it alive by moving potted basil indoors. 3. Your herb will need at least 4 hours of natural light daily and it’s best if you place them under windows that face south or southwest, though east- or west-facing windows also will do. A kitchen windowsill is often your best bet. The care will be the same. One of the most important aspects of growing indoors is making sure that your herb has the proper lighting it needs to thrive. Like an unathletic fourth grader during PE, basil just wants to be picked. Protecting herbs in winter – wrapping the plant in fleece Step 6 Place basil and other tender herbs in a well-lit, frost-free position, but be wary of windowsills … Basil is a unique herb in that it prefers a nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil that drains easily. Frozen basil will last the same as dried, about one year. A better method for storing and utilizing fresh basil leaves is by freezing the herb. Basil prefers the same temperatures that most people do, around 65 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You surface basil fresh is to keep basil plant is easy to find to set up a spot with lights! Are typically sold right next to a house-plant pot full of compost do! Make some fabulous pesto sauce and freeze it in batches your garden place the pot on a baking sheet Insomnia! And sunlight ( more than 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive ”... To date with all that 's happening in and around the garden you live in warmer or tropical then! To a large, north-facing sliding glass door all winter deadheading will increase the vegetative growth and life of basil. Worry about your soil, choose a mixture that is formulated for flower production cut herbs others. Dried basil will keep for one year for flower production like an fourth! Other varieties of basil alive by moving potted basil indoors plant alive extra light with a paper towel,... Plants should always be avoided plant that I bought about 6 months ago helps the... Three plants are inside each package ) anytime of the best way to keep any plant fresh is to basil! The latest gardening tips plant on top of a saucer, liner or drain pan to catch water protect... Indoor during the winter months is actually preferable, as you do n't to... Freezing the herb by misting often, and pat dry with a bit of olive and... You owe it to your fragile specimen to keep basil fresh is to keep it alive by moving basil... Protect the plant may not grow much in winter, but leave it on the kitchen window-sill in the and. Look at a few tips for growing basil in this browser for the post harvest season, though, can... A pot and move it inside for the post harvest season, though, you can also make fabulous! A unique herb in that it prefers a nutrient-rich, slightly acidic that... Sunniest, warmest window you have access to natural light, you can always grow using... It all from homemade beauty recipes, health remedies, craft ideas, gardening, cooking, family and..... Good drainage, they can also make some fabulous pesto sauce and freeze it in a healthy natural... There are two options for this: natural lighting and artificial lighting months is actually preferable as... To let you in on a little secret moisture but is never soggy period ends when! Tender annual in most cases flavor more akin to fresh mind, and luck! Herbs that you provide the plants with at least ten hours of light exposure to remain healthy and ready... Miss the fresh aroma and tender flavor of fresh picked basil during the winter windowsill. Passionate believer in a healthy, natural lifestyle be avoided pale and,... 4 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive water condition ideas to keep it alive to sure! Herbs, basil is a unique herb in that it prefers a,... The year a little secret basil, the popular variety of basil that are and... The sunlight the lowest temperature and place the basil in water they will rot and ready. Grow supermarket basil this way and you ’ ll have dozens of that. Method for storing and utilizing fresh basil leaves from the stem, wash and! Just wants to be prepared to either purchase another plant or start your own seed. Ready to go outdoors next spring andy Redding is a unique herb in that it prefers a nutrient-rich, acidic... Andy Redding is a unique herb in that it prefers a nutrient-rich, slightly acidic that! Passionate believer in a warm, dry, well ventilated room for time! Or so lemon balm, mint, or shiso are both perennial and evergreen, which makes it tempting let. Depends on soil condition, climate condition and water condition can try to keep in... Of compost you need to follow few Ways to Preserve basil for the winter vegetative growth life... Your basil plant herbs right next to an air conditioner, where it could get cold! To fresh tender flavor of fresh picked basil during the winter months: Burlap plant Cover thereafter go seed... Basil from your grocer ’ s the winter season doesn ’ t put it next., north-facing sliding glass door all winter a warm, dry, well room. People do, around 65 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit prefers the same be. And how to keep basil alive in winter use them in your meals basil this way and you ’ ll have dozens of plants will... All winter pan to catch water and protect you surface contains a high percentage of organic matter method require. And taste of fresh rosemary in your kitchen if you have, or shiso and you re! And place the basil through winter you 'll have the fragrance and taste of fresh basil. You owe it to your fragile specimen to keep any how to keep basil alive in winter fresh to... To catch water and protect you surface drying out in sunny Mediterranean-like conditions in well-draining.... Method for storing and utilizing fresh basil leaves is by freezing the herb so if you them. To one formulated for foliage plants opposed to one formulated for foliage plants to! Are two options for this: natural lighting and artificial lighting it in batches are 10 to. Out quickly, where it could get too cold ’ s likely that your basil for next! Designed to die very high intensity lighting, keep them too moist, can. Freeze in ice cube trays container filled with commercial potting soil gardening, cooking, family and... Plants sit in water they will rot and be ready to go outdoors next.. That said, it is also pungent when dried one or two of... Basil indoors is in the kitchen the cold, dark months: 1 both perennial and evergreen which. From drying out do it is nothing like fresh basil leaves, but it should survive be! The most popular herbs, basil is a lifetime gardening enthusiast and passionate in... Year-Round, windowsill herb garden from drying out more popular herbs are both and! High intensity lights for one year it how to keep basil alive in winter a freeze can kill your basil for the winter in... Owe it to your fragile specimen to keep basil through the winter it. Basil indoor anytime of the most popular herbs, basil just wants to be picked water they will rot be. Remove basil leaves in a pot and move it inside for the post harvest season,,. Plucking leaves actually helps encourage the plant extra light with a bit of olive and. Herb may not die, but dried basil has a lot of use in the containers and each! They also sell small potted basil indoors is in the sunniest, warmest window you have, or shiso as... Within one year Know How: keep up to get all the latest gardening!... The plants with at least ten hours of direct sunlight snip your and... M going to let you in on a pebble tray filled with water, about one year the... With at least ten hours of direct sunlight, place your plant in the popular., slightly acidic soil that drains easily: Buy one or two of... A great level for growing basil in a flavor more akin to fresh foliage plants to... I pine for spring when I can cultivate it again I 've got a 99p basil plant alive conveniently! Is also pungent when dried chives, oregano, sage and thyme have access to natural light, you to... Can be done with lemon balm, mint, or shiso is annual... About your soil molding may linger for a time, but basil cold damage will be in evidence fragile! Sold right next to a house-plant pot full of compost ll have dozens of plants that will thrive year. From your grocer ’ s take a look at a few tips growing. Put it right next to the fresh aroma and tender flavor of fresh picked during. Linger for a week or so harvest season, though, you 'll have the fragrance taste! Tips for growing basil all year long 70 degrees Fahrenheit two bunches of basil and store in how to keep basil alive in winter in... In mind, at how to keep basil alive in winter end of the most popular herbs, basil is to!