Growing Basil Indoors — Complete Guide
Yes, Basil can be grown indoors. Here's everything you need to know: container size, light requirements, watering schedule, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Basil Indoors — At a Glance
Container Size for Indoor Basil
Recommended: 6–8 inch pot
Basil has a shallow root system. A standard 6-inch pot works for one plant; use an 8-inch pot if you want a bushier, larger plant. Ensure drainage holes.
Light Requirements
Hours of Light Needed
14–16 hours
per day, consistently
Grow Light Recommendation
LED full-spectrum grow light placed 4–6 inches above leaves. A south-facing window works in summer but a grow light gives more consistent results year-round.
Watering and Humidity
Ideal Humidity: 50–70%
Basil loves warmth and moderate humidity. Keep it away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents. Mist leaves lightly if the air is very dry.
Ideal Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
Keep away from cold drafts (air conditioning, windows in winter) and excessive heat sources (heaters, ovens). Consistent temperature produces the most vigorous growth.
How to Grow Basil Indoors: Step by Step
Choose your container
Select a 6–8 inch pot with drainage holes. Fill with well-draining potting mix — not garden soil.
Plant seeds or transplant
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2–3 per pot, and thin to one plant after germination. Or transplant a nursery seedling into fresh potting mix.
Provide warmth for germination
Keep the pot at 70–80°F. Place on top of a warm surface or use a heat mat. Seeds germinate in 5–10 days.
Set up light
Once sprouted, place under grow lights for 14–16 hours daily, or on your sunniest south-facing windowsill. Rotate the pot every few days for even growth.
Water consistently
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water at the base — wet leaves invite disease. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes to prevent root rot.
Harvest regularly
Once the plant has 6+ leaves, pinch stems above a leaf node. Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant at once. Regular harvesting keeps it bushy and delays flowering.
Common Indoor Basil Problems & Fixes
Leggy, weak stems
Cause
Insufficient light — fewer than 10 hours per day
Fix
Move to a south window or add a grow light positioned 4–6 inches above the plant
Yellowing lower leaves
Cause
Overwatering or normal leaf aging
Fix
Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again; remove yellowed leaves
Leaf spots or blackening
Cause
Cold damage or fungal disease
Fix
Keep above 55°F, improve air circulation, avoid getting leaves wet when watering
Flowering (bolting)
Cause
Heat stress or plant maturity
Fix
Pinch off flower buds immediately; harvest regularly to delay bolting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Basil indoors?
Yes, Basil can be grown indoors with the right conditions. You'll need 14–16 hours of Full sun or grow lights, a 6–8 inch pot, and temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). The difficulty level for growing Basil indoors is Easy.
How much light does indoor Basil need?
Indoor Basil needs 14–16 hours of light per day. LED full-spectrum grow light placed 4–6 inches above leaves. A south-facing window works in summer but a grow light gives more consistent results year-round.
What size container does indoor Basil need?
Basil has a shallow root system. A standard 6-inch pot works for one plant; use an 8-inch pot if you want a bushier, larger plant. Ensure drainage holes.
Best Cities for Growing Basil Outdoors
If you're growing Basil indoors year-round, check the outdoor calendar for your city — you may be able to grow it outside during warmer months too.
Growing Basil Outdoors Too?
Find the best planting times for Basil in your city with our climate-based calendar.