[tippben]

I have germinated some Basil (finally). It is beginning to develop true leaves. It is in 1l pots, fairly thickly sown, in a mostly unheated house, under a little cloche made from a takeaway container lid.

I have an unheated polytunnel, which gets much more light, and is generally warmer than the house in the daytime. Should I prick them out yet? Should I take the pots out, and bring them in again at night?

[Greengage]

I would keep Basil inside all the time as it does not grow well (at all) outside in Ireland. If they are to thick in the pot and the have true leaves pot them up with about 6 plants per pot. handle by the seed leaves or you will damage the plants by crushing the stem.

[The Garden Shop]

Basil is a tricky herb to grow, so well done on your successful germination!

Once basil germinates it is important to maintain a steady temperature. Cold temperatures at night can stunt and even kill your plants. I would recommend moving your basil plants into the house during the cold nights.

Also keep soil moist, but not to moist. Watering in the mornings as basil doesn't like to sit in water over night

[michael brenock]

Prick ot Basil seedlings while they are still at the seed leaf stage, do not squeeze stem just gently firm compost around the roots and water afterwards. Keepin tunnel or glasshouse especially at night. Make successional sowings , every 3-4 weeks.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[doctor greenthumb]

Hi, i bought some basil seed a few weeks ago because i had heard that the common house fly hates the smell of it and as i had alot of flies buzzing about i decided to buy the seed i let them soak in a cup with a little seaweed liquid when they cracked i put them in a small pot wrapped a plastic bag and left them on the radiator they were up in two days i now have them outside with half a coca cola bottle over the top of them it is sweet basil extra fragrance for the flies he he. anyway they are growing fine and thats the only use i have for them although the flies are now gone i,m sure i,ll have them up well before the indian summer.