How Much Basil Seeds to Plant per Pot
Growing basil in pots and planters is an excellent way to enjoy the fresh flavor of this tasty herb. When planting basil in a pot, it is important to know how many basil seeds to plant per pot.
1. Determining Seed Needs
The number of basil seeds you need to plant per pot will depend mainly on the size of the pot. To determine the appropriate number of seeds, you will need to calculate both the amount of surface area the pot has and the appropriate plant density.
2. Calculating Surface Area of the Pot
The surface area can be calculated by multiplying the length and width of the pot. For example, a pot that is 6 inches long and 6 inches wide would have a surface area of 36 square inches.
3. Calculating Plant Density
The appropriate plant density will depend on the type of basil you are planting. Most types of basil require about one plant per square inch of surface area. This means that for the 6-inch x 6-inch pot mentioned above, you will need 36 basil seeds.
4. Planting the Seeds
It is best to plant the seeds at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch. Basil seeds should be spaced 1 to 2 inches apart in the pot. Additionally, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. If the pot is outdoors, the basil should be kept in a spot that gets plenty of sun.
5. Caring for the Plants
Once the basil has germinated and the seedlings have grown about 3 inches high, they should be thinned out to one plant per 6 inches. You can either remove the unwanted seedlings completely, or opt for a more sustainable approach and move them to another pot.
Basil plants require regular watering, as well as fertilizing with an all-purpose fertilizer every two weeks. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to a decrease in flavor.
Conclusion
The amount of basil seeds you need to plant per pot largely depends on the size of your pot and the type of basil you are growing. Generally, it is best to plant 1 to 2 basil seeds per square inch of surface area and thin them out as they grow. Taking good care of your basil plants will ensure that you enjoy their fresh taste for many months to come!
