Grown Basil Microgreens?

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Basil Microgreens — Microgreens

74days to harvest

3-7days to germinate

Z10–10USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Soak seeds 4-6 hours. Broadcast sow on growing medium. Barely cover with soil as seeds need some light.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: Bottom water or gentle misting, avoid overwatering leaves
Soil: Well-draining potting mix or coconut coir
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Spacing: Broadcast densely
Height: 0-3 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Bright green leaves, sometimes with purple tinges
Size: 2-3"
Shape: Oval to elliptical leaves with visible veining
Flavour: Intense basil aroma, sweet and peppery with hints of anise

In the kitchen

Pizza, pasta, salads, pesto, garnishes, Italian dishes, cocktail garnishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats
Diseases: Damping off, fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot
Resistance: Susceptible to damping off and fungal issues in humid conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	January – December	—	—	January – December
2	January – December	—	—	January – December
3	January – December	—	—	January – December
4	January – December	—	—	January – December
5	January – December	—	—	January – December
6	January – December	—	—	January – December
7	January – December	—	—	January – December
8	January – December	—	—	January – December
9	January – December	—	—	January – December
10	January – December	—	—	January – December
11	January – December	—	—	January – December
12	January – December	—	—	January – December
13	January – December	—	—	January – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids while potentially improving tomato flavor

PepperBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants

OreganoBoth herbs have similar growing requirements and complementary pest-repelling properties

MarigoldAttracts beneficial insects and repels nematodes that could affect basil root systems

LettuceBasil provides natural pest protection for lettuce while both prefer similar light conditions

CilantroCompatible growing conditions and cilantro attracts beneficial predatory insects

ChivesChives repel aphids and other soft-bodied insects that target basil

ParsleySimilar water and light requirements, and parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies

Avoid

RueProduces allelopathic compounds that can inhibit basil seed germination and growth

Common SageCan stunt basil growth through competitive allelopathy and different moisture requirements

FennelReleases growth-inhibiting compounds that negatively affect most herbs including basil

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 23
Protein (g): 3.15
Fat (g): 0.64
Carbohydrate (g): 2.65
Fibre (g): 1.6
Sugars (g): 0.3
Vitamin A (µg): 264
Vitamin C (mg): 18
Vitamin E (mg): 0.8
Vitamin K (µg): 415
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.155
Folate (µg): 68
Calcium (mg): 177
Iron (mg): 3.17
Magnesium (mg): 64
Phosphorus (mg): 56
Potassium (mg): 295
Zinc (mg): 0.81
Selenium (µg): 0.3

← PreviousMustard Microgreens Next →Amaranth Microgreens

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the microgreens growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Basil Microgreens?

Similar varieties