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Basil care

Ocimum basilicum

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist but don't overwater or leave it standing in water. Pots dry out faster than garden beds and need watering more often; water at the base, ideally in the morning. [1][2][3]

Light

Needs a sunny spot with at least six to eight hours of bright light a day; indoors in winter it may need grow lights. [1][2][3]

Soil and potting

Rich, well-drained soil or compost, in a pot with drainage holes. [1][2][3]

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs. [4]

Sources

1. University of Minnesota Extension: Growing basil in home gardens
2. Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center: Basil
3. Royal Horticultural Society: How to grow Basil
4. ASPCA: Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Basil

This page summarizes the sources above; follow them for the full picture. Light, pot, soil and season all change how fast a plant dries out, so check the soil before you water. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.