Basil is a warmth-loving, tender annual herb that grows 8 to 36 inches tall, depending on the species or cultivated variety. Basil is one of the easiest and most popular herbs grown in home gardens and indoors. The herb's aromatic leaves are harvested and used fresh, dried or frozen, added to flavor a wide variety of cuisine. Basil plants are extremely cold-tender, so they must be grown indoors in most regions during the fall, winter and early spring.
Place your basil plant in a warm, sunny window during the spring, summer and early autumn. Ensure that the basil receives six to eight hours of full light each day, and ideally set it in or beside a southern-facing window.
Hang fluorescent grow lights about 6 inches above the basil plants to supplement light during the darker winter months. Keep the grow lights turned on for 10 to 12 hours each day.
Keep air temperatures around your basil plant warm, generally above 70 degrees F. Avoid exposing your basil plant to drafts or placing it near heating and air conditioning vents.
Water your basil plant two or three times per week to keep the potting soil evenly moistened. Don't allow the soil to become waterlogged, but instead water until the soil becomes slightly soggy. Discard any water that drains from the bottom of the pot.