How to Transplant Basil Seedlings

B(caps)asil is so popular in both the kitchen and the garden, this aromatic herb is one of the most well-known herbs grown in all the world. Known as Ocimum basilicum, basil can be found growing indoors and outdoors for use in a wide variety of dishes. It's one of the first herbs I plant in the spring in my garden. Basil is one of the most useful and beautiful herbs you can grow. Starting basil plants indoors four to six weeks before transplanting outdoors is a good way to get a jump-start on the growing and harvesting season. Transplanting basil seedlings is so easy and with good care you will enjoy harvesting basil leaves all summer long!

How to Transplant Basil Seedlings

When your basil seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them. To ensure a healthy basil plant, just transplant only the biggest. I always plant one to each container because that way it will grow faster, and it doesn't have to compete with its neighbors to get bigger!

About an hour before transplanting, water well your seedlings. This will help you to easily pull them with a fair bit of compost adhering to their roots.

When transplanting the seedlings, use containers with drainage holes, fill the containers with quality potting soil, gently tamp it around the plants. Don't bury your seedlings any deeper than they were in the pots they came in, and water thoroughly. Keep the containers out of direct sunlight for a few days to let the transplants recover from the move shock.

Take care not to over water your basil seedlings. Always be sure to provide them good air circulation and ventilation, so the tops of your seedlings stay dry and standing moisture is kept to a minimum.

 

In order to give your basil plants the best chance of success, it is best to ‘harden them off’ prior to leaving them outside full time. About 7 days before planting your plants outdoors, help acclimate them to temperatures, sunlight, and wind. This is the process of hardening off, or gradually acclimating your new plants to outdoor conditions. With proper hardening off, they’ll have an easier transition to the garden. 

Watch How to Transplant Basil Seedlings Video

🛒 Quality Basil Seeds to Enjoy Growing 🛒

Because this fragrant garden favorite is so easy to grow in the right conditions, you’ll be grateful for the time you spend growing basil, and enjoy the flavor and aroma of fresh, homegrown organic basil!

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Happy Gardening!

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