Basil Microgreens
Ocimum basilicum
Large 2-3" long, turned-down leaves. This stunning basil is nearly black in color. Purple flowers and red leaves make an attractive garnish. Ht. 16-20".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil.
Harvest
74d
Days to harvest
Sun
Bright indirect light
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Basil Microgreens in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 microgreen →Zone Map
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Basil Microgreens · Zones 10–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 4 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 5 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 6 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 7 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 8 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 9 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 10 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 2 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
Storage & Preservation
Fresh basil microgreens are incredibly delicate and best used within hours of harvest for peak flavor and texture. For short-term storage, place unwashed microgreens in a slightly damp paper towel, then seal in a perforated plastic bag. Store in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at 35-40°F—they'll maintain quality for 3-5 days maximum.
Never store basil microgreens wet, as excess moisture causes rapid blackening and decay. The high oil content in basil makes these microgreens particularly susceptible to temperature fluctuations, so avoid leaving them at room temperature.
For preservation, dehydrating works best—spread microgreens on dehydrator trays at 95°F for 4-6 hours until crisp. Store dried microgreens in airtight containers for up to 6 months. You can also freeze them in ice cubes with olive oil for easy addition to cooked dishes, though this destroys their delicate texture. Basil microgreen powder made from dried greens creates an intensely flavored seasoning that stores well in the freezer.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomato
Basil repels tomato hornworms and aphids while potentially improving tomato flavor
Pepper
Basil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
Oregano
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and complementary pest-repelling properties
Marigold
Attracts beneficial insects and repels nematodes that could affect basil root systems
Lettuce
Basil provides natural pest protection for lettuce while both prefer similar light conditions
Cilantro
Compatible growing conditions and cilantro attracts beneficial predatory insects
Chives
Chives repel aphids and other soft-bodied insects that target basil
Parsley
Similar water and light requirements, and parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies
Keep Apart
Rue
Produces allelopathic compounds that can inhibit basil seed germination and growth
Common Sage
Can stunt basil growth through competitive allelopathy and different moisture requirements
Fennel
Releases growth-inhibiting compounds that negatively affect most herbs including basil
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to damping off and fungal issues in humid conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats
Diseases
Damping off, fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do basil microgreens take to grow?▼
Can you grow basil microgreens without soil?▼
Why are my basil microgreens falling over and dying?▼
What do basil microgreens taste like compared to regular basil?▼
Do basil microgreens regrow after cutting?▼
Are basil microgreens good for beginners?▼
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