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Basil

The Chef's Gardener

Basil is a key ingredient in many recipes, but the different varieties will have completely different flavours.

How to grow basil indoors

Follow the links below for details on how to grow basil indoors, or read on for growing and cooking advice:

how to grow basil indoors - step by step advice

Which is why it’s very important to select the right type for the types of foods you would like to prepare.

  • Genovese Basil – Ideal for Italian, French or Greek recipes.
  • Holy Basil – Ideal to grow if you like cooking spicy Thai dishes.
  • Lemon Basil – Ideal for South Asian or North East African Dishes.
  • Thai Basil – Ideal for Thai, Laos or Vietnamese Recipes
  • Cinnamon Basil – Ideal for Mexican or South American recipes

If you want to grow this herb you can use:

  • Soil
  • Hydroponics
  • Aquaponics.

Taking them in turn:

Growing basil using pots with soil

how to grow basil indoors

This herb is ideally suited for planting outside in a pot on a balcony or terrace or inside on a sunny windowsill (or using lighting)

It loves warm very sunny conditions and hates cold draughts. If you want to grow it in soil then:

  • Sow thinly into soil at a depth of 6mm
  • Will germinate in 12 to 40 days
  • Thin the seedlings or transplant leaving 38 cm between plants

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How to grow basil indoors using Hydroponics or Aquaponics

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

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.

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Which basil to grow & Why

There are many, many different types. But the key ones to consider are:

  • Sweet or Genovese basil,
  • Cinnamon basil
  • Thai basil
  • Lemon basil
  • Tulasi or Holy Basil

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Taking them in turn:

Sweet or Genovese Basil

Cooking Mediterranean or European Dishes ? For example Italian, French or Greek.

If you buy this herb in a shop in the UK then you will most likely get either sweet or genovese basil. However, even these 2 European varieties are different. Where the sweet one has a flavor tasting a bit like a blend of licorice and cloves with a hint of mint. Whereas the Genovese one has a stronger flavour preferred by chefs – a bit like a combination of aniseed and cloves.

So if your recipes require a subtle flavour grow sweet variety at home. On the other hand if you prefer a stronger flavour (ideal for either Italian or dishes containing tomatoes) grow the genovese one at home.

Typical recipes:

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Cinnamon or Mexican Basil

Cooking Central American Dishes? -For example Mexican or South American

The cinnamon option has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It can be used not only in pastas & salads but also in cookies, pies and even ice cream.

Typical recipes:

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Thai Basil

Cooking Asian Dishes ? For example Thai, Laos or Vietnamese…

Then the Thai one has to be a must – in addition it is ideal to grow indoors, because as a tropical plant it needs warm temperatures and is not frost resistant.

The reason it’s so good for asian dishes is that it has the same flavours as standard option but in addition has a strong licorice and anise flavour that gives foods like curries and soups a unique aroma.

Typical recipes:

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Lemon Basil

Cooking South Asian or North East African Dishes ? For example Indonesian, Philippine or Arabic…

Then the unique flavour of lemon is a must. In addition a key benefit is that it can be used in many different ways – for example eaten raw with a salad, used to season many cooked dishes or even used in sweet desserts.

Typical recipes:

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Tulasi or Holy Basil

Cooking spicy Thai dishes?

Then you should grow Red Holy Basil. Although sometimes confused with Thai Basil (see above) this variety is completely different and has such a peppery flavour that it is often referred to as ‘hot basil’.

Please note that white holy basil is again slightly different, and often used for seafood dishes.

Typical recipes:

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How to prepare basil

Whether you are using Sweet or Genovese variety, or any of the other varieties.

Preparation of all the varieties will be similar, with the video shows how to use it in a recipe.

How to start

Hopefully our guide has helped.

Where to buy the seeds.

Hydroponics & Aquaponic kits

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