This basil is great for cooking but fresh Holy basil is not often available in many shops.

The plant has strongly scented green or purple leaves and purplish elongated flowers.

It is fun to grow, especially if you like cooking authentic dishes.

Basil is ideally suited for planting outside in a pot on a balcony or terrace. Or you can grow it inside on a sunny windowsill (or using lighting)

It will take about 60 to 80 days to grow. (2 to 3 months)

Step 1 – The first step is to get the holy basil seeds. You can order them online or some garden centres will sell them. Not often mentioned but if you simply add the seeds into a bowl of water for 30 minutes to 1 hour they will start quicker then simply putting them in soil.

Step 2 – The next stage is to put the seeds in the soil. A very simple way is to fill a plant pot (or a few) with soil, then add the seeds and sprinkle a bit of soil on top.

The key is to sow them thinly into soil at a depth of 6mm

Step 3 – Then simply put the pot or tray somewhere safe and leave the sprout.

However a much, much quicker way is to use a heat mat. All you do is put the tray on the mat and the extra heat will significantly speed up how fast your seeds will grow.

For example the picture shows just how fast tomatoes will grow. For more info have a look at our article – How to use a seed starter mat

Step 4 – The seeds will germinate in 12 to 40 days. When they’ve grown thin the seedlings or transplant leaving 38 cm between plants, Then simple put them somewhere warm and sunny and wait for them to grow.

It loves warm very sunny conditions and hates cold draughts.

Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow using hydroponics – As it will be ready to be harvested quicker than planted in soil.

New to hydroponics? – Top 5 hydroponic kits for beginners

But in addition it is ideal for aquaponics – especially because it loves nitrogen. In addition, whether using hydroponics or aquaponics you will be able to grow it all year around – providing you with fresh herbs when you want it.