Basil seeds: how to sow and combine them?

Basil, a must-have for the vegetable garden (and the kitchen)

A staple in sauces, salads, or simply handpicked from the garden, basil is much more than an aromatic. It's also a very useful companion plant , easy to grow, and ideal for both beginner gardeners and seasoned permaculture enthusiasts.

Here's how to sow it, grow it, and who it gets along best with.

1. Choose your basil seeds carefully

There are many varieties of basil, with different aromas, colors and shapes:

• Large Green Basil : classic, sweet, very productive.
• Lemon Basil : fragrant, ideal in infusion or salad.
• Purple Basil : decorative, with a spicier taste.
• Thai Basil : anise flavor, perfect for Asian cuisine.

👉 See our collection of basil seeds

2. How to sow basil?

📅 When to sow?

• From March to May indoors or under cover.
• In open ground from May , once all risk of frost has passed.

🌱 Step by step sowing

• Use a light, well-drained potting soil.
• Sow by broadcasting or in shallow rows (1 cm max).
• Do not pack too much, cover with a thin layer of potting soil.
• Keep moist but not excessively moist, at 20–25°C, in the light.
• The lifting takes approximately 5 to 10 days.

🪴 In a pot or in the garden?

Basil grows equally well in pots and in the ground. In pots:

• Choose a container that is at least 15–20 cm deep.
• Place it in the sun, sheltered from the wind.
• Consider a light mulch to keep things cool.

3. Maintain your basil naturally

• Water regularly , without soaking the soil.
• Cut flower stems as soon as they appear to encourage branching.
• Harvest leaf by leaf or stem by stem as soon as the plant is well developed.

4. The best crop associations with basil

Basil is a popular companion plant. It repels certain insects, promotes the growth of its neighbors, and contributes to the balance of the vegetable garden.

🍅 Basil + tomato: the winning duo

The classic must-have: basil improves the growth and flavor of tomatoes , while keeping certain insects (flies, mosquitoes) away.

Plant them together, leaving 20 to 30 cm of space between each.

🌶️ Other good associations

• Pepper and chili : same needs, good neighbors.
• Marigolds : natural control of nematodes.
• Courgettes, aubergines : good harmony and little root competition.

🚫 To avoid:

• Rue , sage : associations to avoid, too much aromatic interference.

Conclusion

Basil is an easy, useful, and tasty plant. By choosing the right varieties, mastering sowing techniques, and combining it with the right crops, you'll make it a valuable ally in both the garden and the kitchen.

🌱 Discover all our reproducible basil seeds for a fragrant and balanced vegetable garden.