Light. Needs 6–8 hours of sun. Some afternoon shade helps in the South Florida summer.
Water. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water at the base or with drip irrigation; wet leaves invite disease.
Soil and feeding. Use rich, well-drained soil, ideally in a raised bed or a container of Organic Pro Mix Veggies and Herbs. Mix in compost before planting, then feed with a balanced fertilizer following the label.
Size. Grows to about 2 ft. Space plants about 10 in apart.
Pruning. Pinch the tips once plants reach 6 in and harvest often, taking no more than a third at a time. Pinch off flowers to keep leaves coming.
Problems to watch. Downy mildew yellows leaves, with gray spores underneath; remove infected plants. Aphids, spider mites and whiteflies also appear.
Good to know. Plant in early spring or fall. Leaves blacken below 40°F, so cover plants on cold nights.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Basil · UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Basil
