Basil is a full sun, heat loving crop. It will become bitter if exposed to temps below 50°. Everleaf basil's are bolt-resistant. Start seeds indoors 4/10 – 5/1 at a temp of 75° (use heating mat). Days to germination: 5-14. Do not let plants become potbound (too big for their pots) because this will stunt plants. Transplant outside, 10” apart, after nighttime temps are above 50°. Alternatively, sow seeds directly outside early June. Prune young plants to encourage side branching. Everleaf basil's also have some resistance to downy mildew however, it is best to keep leaves as dry as possible to minimize downy mildew.
Clip stems (with leaves attached) back several inches – do not clip off more than 1/2 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 (especially for Everleaf, bolt resistant basil because it takes so long to flower and make seeds). Seeds should be left on the plant until they are mature (black). Cut and dry stems in paper bags. Basil plants are insect pollinated and may cross pollinate with other basil varieties. Isolation distance: 150’ should be adequate. Clean seed as a dry seeded crop.
