Start seeds indoors 4/1 – 5/1 at a temp of 70°. Planting depth: 1/8" (seeds need light to germinate). Days to germination: 5-14. Transplant outside, 8” apart, after last frost (5/20). Alternatively, sow seeds directly outside early June. Prune young plants to encourage side branching.
Clip stems (with leaves attached) back several inches – do not clip off more than 1/3 of the plant at one time. Frequently clip (harvest) plants to keep them from bolting. Leaves are removed from stems in the kitchen.
Basil seeds need a long, hot growing season so it is somewhat difficult to save seeds here in Southeast MI. Seeds should be left on the plant until they are mature (dark in color). Cut and dry stems in paper bags. Holy basil plants are insect pollinated and may cross pollinate with sweet basil varieties. Isolation distance: 150’ should be adequate. Clean seed as a dry seeded crop.
