Fast Facts
| Planting Season | Water Needs | Light Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Average | Full Sun |
🌱 About Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a sun-loving, fragrant herb ideal for both beginners and expert gardeners. It thrives in containers or kitchen gardens and is perfect for desi cooking, Italian sauces, Thai curries, and refreshing teas.
📅 When to Plant Basil in Pakistan
| Region | Spring Season | Monsoon Season |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan | Feb – April | July – August |
| KPK, Northern Areas | March – May | Not recommended (rain sensitivity) |
Quick Botanical Profile
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Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
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Family: Lamiaceae
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Pollination: Self-pollinated, insect-assisted
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Flowering Habit: Annual
Growth Timeline
| 🫘 Starting | 🌱 Sprout | 🌿 Vegetative | 🌸 Flowering | 🧺 Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Day 7–14 | Day 30–50 | Day 60–75 | Day 60+ |
How-To by Growth Stage
When to Plant Basil Seeds
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Sow directly outdoors after frost danger ends (February–March).
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Or start indoors 6 weeks before last expected frost.
Where to Plant Basil Seeds
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Full sun, minimum 6–8 hours sunlight daily.
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Light, well-drained soil — basil prefers slightly dry conditions.
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✅ Use Organic Potting Mix for best results in beds or pots.
How to Plant Basil Seeds
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Sow ¼ inch deep, barely cover with soil.
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Basil seeds need light to germinate.
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Thin seedlings to 8–10 inches apart.
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✅ Start seeds indoors in 4” Plastic Pots.
How to Harvest Basil
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Begin harvesting when plants are 6–8 inches tall.
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Snip above a pair of leaves for bushy regrowth.
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Best flavor: Early morning harvest before sun hits.
How to Care for Basil
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Water regularly but avoid soggy soil.
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Pinch off flowers to prolong leaf growth.
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Feed monthly with Vermicompost.
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Bring pots indoors during cold months.
Companion Planting for Basil
✅ Good Companions:
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Tomatoes
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Peppers
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Lettuce
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Marigolds (natural pest repellant)
❌ Avoid Planting Near:
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Sage
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Rue
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Thyme
Scientific Variations – Basil
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Sweet Basil – Classic broad-leaf type
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Thai Basil – Spicy, licorice-flavored leaves
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Purple Basil – Decorative, antioxidant-rich
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Lemon Basil – Lemon-scented leaves
(ApnaUgao to offer available basil varieties)
Benefits of Basil
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High in vitamin K, iron, and antioxidants
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Anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting
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Supports digestion
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Adds fragrance, beauty, and flavor to your home garden
