"Basil Bush" from seed

[bagpuss]

Any tips on growing this from seed? I managed to get 2 minute seedlings to come up out of 6 that I put in, but they then died. I have three kitchen herb pots, which are near to the kitchen window, which doesn't get any real direct sunlight through it, but it is quite bright towards the end of the afternoon if that helps.

[Cheerypeabrain]

I grew bush basil last year (and have some germinating as we speak in the conservatory!) I'm no expert but grew mine where there was plenty of light. If they are near a window are they getting big fluctuations in temperature?.

I grew mine in a 3" pot of seed compost inside an unheated propagator in the conservatory window (which is south-west facing so gets a lot of light) kept moist but not waterlogged.
It sounds like you were just unlucky...most years I get some seeds that just refuse to germinate, or produce sickly seedlings...I've just chucked out one of only 2 veronica seedlings to germinate (out of a packet of 50 seeds!) because it just died on me... ...last year it was platycodon and monarda, spectacular failures both

Grit your teeth and try again...good luck

[jean]

I haven't had much luck in the past, but this year I have started some off in a heated propogator in a couple of pots which have all germinated. They are now in the polytunnel, so time will tell. I think a sunny window sill in a plastic bag is worth a try.

[4pygmies]

Basil is pretty easy to grow from seed but it does require heat and light. I think Cheery is right and the change in temperature is probably what's caused the problem. Last week I sowed 80 Sweet Basil, 40 Anise Basil and 40 Purple Basil in modules and they all germinated very quickly. They are in a warm bathroom in good light , but shaded from strong direct sunlight, and were in sealed bags. As soon as there were any signs of life I took them out of the bags and covered them with plastic propagator lids which I took off during the day. They are all growing very strongly now. Do try again but change the location of your seeds! You have plenty of time to have another go - Basil is one of the last herbs to sow as it needs such a lot of warmth. I would be careful with your Basil in your PT, jlottie as it is very susceptible to cold temperatures at night at this time of year.

[Chuckles]

I sowed 16 seeds in pots in the GH and only 8 have germinated after 20 days, will have another go after hols

[isabella]

I always sow my Basil like this now - it always used to die on me!

I sow a few seeds in a 3" pot and when they are 2" - 3" tall I pot the whole lot on into a 4" - 5" pot and when they are growing well finally into a 6"- 7" pot.

I usually have half a dozen pots on the go and they last all Summer - they stay in the greenhouse in amongst the peppers and aubergines.

I never try to prick out basil seedlings.

[jean]

Thanks 4P, I'll bring them in and find some room on a window sill.

[4pygmies]

I can't understand why everyone is having so much trouble with Basil ! I always find it really easy. I grow loads of it every year to sell. The only thing I can think of is that you're sowing it too early p'raps. It is VERY sensitive to cold and will droop at the drop of a hat. I don't sow until the end of April at least - apart from this year as my bathroom was extremely hot because of the warm spell ;D . I sow several seeds in each module although I have pricked out individually many times in the past. Late sowings are much safer and it will grow very quickly once it gets going.

[Chuckles]

Sounds like I'm definately sowing again after hols, won't be beaten

[Deleted]

I grew some last year but only got 3 smallish plants. While it wasn't enough to combat my basil taste dependancy ;D they were certainly much much tastier than supermarket pot herbs.

I am trying again this year and from what I've read regarding heat I'll hang on a few more weeks before attempting them.

[bagpuss]

Thank you all so much for your tips with this one, much appreciated. Will definitely give it another go, but will wait until the weather is a bit more predictable with the temperature (if that is possible).

Thanks again.

Happy gardening!!