Basil loves the heat, but summer can still throw it off track if it’s not getting what it needs. I’ve made a list of 15 simple things that keep basil happy, full, and bursting with flavor.
A few of these might surprise you—and some common habits could actually be holding it back. If your basil’s been acting a little moody, this should help.
Let’s get those leaves lush, green, and totally thriving!
1. Proper Sunlight Balance
Morning sunshine works wonders for basil, giving it energy without the scorching effects of afternoon rays. Aim for 6-8 hours of light daily, but provide afternoon shade when temperatures soar above 90°F.
A simple shade cloth or strategic placement near taller plants can make all the difference. Stop leaving basil in full sun all day during heatwaves – those crispy leaves won’t recover no matter how much you water!
2. Consistent Watering Schedule
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root development. The soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge – moist but not soggy. Check by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil.
During peak summer heat, you might need to water daily, preferably in the morning. Ditch the sporadic drenching habit that leaves roots alternately parched and drowning – basil hates this roller-coaster approach!
3. Regular Harvesting
Snip those stems regularly, even if you don’t need basil for dinner tonight. Regular harvesting prevents flowering and keeps the plant bushy rather than tall and leggy. Cut just above a leaf node where two small leaves are forming.
This encourages the plant to branch out with new growth. Stop being shy with your scissors – basil actually produces more when harvested regularly, similar to getting a haircut that stimulates growth!
4. Nutrient-Rich Soil
Basil thrives in soil rich with organic matter that drains well but retains some moisture. A mix of quality potting soil with about 30% compost creates the perfect growing medium for these leafy herbs.
The nutrients feed steady growth while preventing root rot. Quit using heavy garden soil in containers – it compacts too easily and suffocates basil roots, especially during summer’s heat when proper drainage becomes even more critical.
5. Proper Container Size
Those cute tiny pots from the grocery store? They’re basil jail cells! Transplant your basil into containers at least 12 inches deep and wide. The extra space allows roots to spread out, accessing more nutrients and water.
For multiple plants, go even bigger. Stop cramming several basil plants into small containers – they’ll compete for resources and none will reach their full potential, resulting in smaller leaves and less vigorous growth.
6. Mulch Protection
A thin layer of organic mulch works like a protective blanket for your basil’s root system. Straw, shredded leaves, or coconut coir help maintain soil moisture and moderate temperature fluctuations that stress plants.
Apply about an inch around plants, keeping it from touching the stems directly. Stop leaving soil bare during summer – exposed soil heats up quickly and loses moisture faster, creating unnecessary stress for your basil plants.
7. Flower Prevention
See those little flower buds forming at the top? Pinch them off immediately! Once basil flowers, it thinks its life mission is complete and leaf production slows dramatically. The leaves also become more bitter after flowering.
Make it a habit to check for flower buds every few days during summer. Quit allowing your basil to flower unless you specifically want seeds – that beautiful flowering display signals the end of your plant’s productive leaf-growing phase.
8. Companion Planting
Basil plays well with certain garden friends that enhance its growth and flavor. Tomatoes and basil are famous companions – they not only taste great together but actually help each other grow better through beneficial root interactions.
Marigolds nearby help repel pests that might target your basil. Avoid planting near rue or sage, which can inhibit basil’s growth. Stop isolating your basil – it’s a social plant that benefits from the right neighbors!
9. Gentle Fertilization
Feed your basil lightly but regularly with organic fertilizer during the growing season. Fish emulsion or compost tea applied every 3-4 weeks provides steady nutrition without the harsh chemical burn of synthetic fertilizers.
Dilute to half-strength to avoid overwhelming the plant. Stop using high-nitrogen fertilizers that create beautiful foliage but diminish the essential oils that give basil its wonderful flavor and aroma.
10. Pest Monitoring
Japanese beetles, aphids, and slugs consider your basil a gourmet meal. Check the undersides of leaves weekly for unwelcome diners, especially after rain when slug activity increases.
A simple solution of mild soap and water sprayed on aphids can solve problems before they escalate. Stop ignoring those few little holes in leaves – they’re often the first warning sign of a pest population that will multiply quickly in summer’s heat.
11. Air Circulation
Basil needs room to breathe, especially in summer’s humidity. Space plants at least 12-18 inches apart to allow air movement between them, reducing fungal disease risk.
For container gardens, avoid overcrowding and consider a small fan on still, humid days. Stop planting basil in tight clusters – while it may look lush initially, poor air circulation creates the perfect environment for mildew and other moisture-loving pathogens.
12. Heat Protection
When temperatures consistently climb above 90°F, basil needs extra care. Consider temporary shade cloth during the hottest part of the day or move container plants to morning-sun-only locations.
Misting leaves (early in the day so they dry before evening) can help cool the plant. Stop assuming basil loves extreme heat just because it’s a summer herb – even this Mediterranean native has its limits and will show stress with wilting or leaf burn.
13. Variety Selection
Not all basil varieties handle summer heat equally. Thai basil and ‘African Blue’ show remarkable heat tolerance compared to standard sweet basil. For regions with brutal summers, these heat-resistant varieties can mean the difference between success and failure.
Consider growing multiple types for both flavor diversity and garden resilience. Stop limiting yourself to just one variety – different basil types offer unique flavors and varying levels of summer heat resistance!
14. Evening Watering Caution
Contrary to popular advice, watering basil in the evening during summer can invite trouble. Wet leaves overnight create perfect conditions for fungal diseases that thrive in humidity.
Always water at the soil level, not from overhead, and do it early enough for foliage to dry before sunset. Stop evening watering sessions – that convenience comes at the cost of increased disease risk that can quickly destroy your basil crop.
15. Seasonal Propagation
Mid-summer is perfect for making new basil plants from cuttings. Snip 4-inch stems, remove lower leaves, and place in water until roots develop. This ensures continuous harvest even if older plants decline.
Rooting typically takes just 1-2 weeks in summer’s warmth. Stop relying on a single planting – stagger your basil propagation to maintain fresh, productive plants throughout the entire growing season instead of dealing with declining older plants.