Water your basil 1–3 times a week. Do not fully saturate the soil when watering. When the top half-inch (1 cm) of soil is dry, it’s time to water your basil. Then, water the soil to a depth of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm). If the soil dries out quickly between waterings, water more frequently during hot weather.
Several things factor into how much water basil needs. This includes whether your basil is planted in containers or outside, and how much full sun and heat it gets. Both too little and too much water will stress, ruin, or kill the plant entirely. With proper watering and direct sunlight, basil will thrive.
Table of Contents
How Much Water Does Basil Need Per Day?
It’s not necessary to water basil each day unless you have recently planted it. Daily watering is an option, but it is better to spread watering throughout the week to keep the soil moist but not soggy. For an indoor basil plant, water twice per week for a total of 1 inch of water.
- Basil can be watered daily, but this is not necessary.
- Indoor basil should be watered 2 times per week for a total of 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water.
- Outdoor basil should be watered 3 times per week for a total of 1.5 inches (4 cm) of water.
Give outdoor basil half an inch (1 cm) of water three times each week. You will have given your basil 1.5 inches (4 cm) of water by the week’s end. Daily watering will not feed basil roots as well as watering 2–3 times per week.
How Do You Water Basil?
Outdoor basil can be watered 1–3 times per week. If your basil is planted in full sun, plan for three waterings. Each watering should provide half an inch of water (1 cm). In the heart of summer, however, feel free to provide an extra half-inch of water every week for outdoor basil. If your basil is grown in indirect light, 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water once a week should be sufficient.
- Water outdoor basil 1–3 times per week.
- Provide an extra half-inch of water if your basil is planted in full sun.
- Give indoor basil 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water each week and use well-draining containers.
- Basil can be watered at the base or from the top.
Indoor basil should do well with an inch (2.5 cm) of water a week, separated into two waterings. Make sure you use containers that drain well. Take a light touch when watering basil—hard streams of water can damage the stems. Water basil from the top or at the base.
Does Basil Like Wet or Dry Soil?
Basil prefers moderately moist soil. This means it doesn’t like soil that is too wet or too dry. Striking the perfect balance is important for the health of your plant. Basil prefers hot weather, but full sun and hot temperatures can dry out the soil. Check your basil’s soil frequently in the heart of the summer. If you’re experiencing a particularly rainy summer, you may have to ease up on watering to avoid your basil becoming waterlogged.
- Basil likes a “happy medium” soil that is not dry or overly wet.
- Basil planted in dry soil will fail to thrive.
- Water-soaked soil will turn basil pale and the plants will wilt.
Basil planted in saturated soil may turn pale and wilt. Meanwhile, basil plants that are growing in dry soil may fail to reach their full height or flourish the way they should. By striking the balance with moist soil, your fresh basil will thrive.
Can You Overwater Basil?
It is certainly possible to overwater basil. Basil is an herb that prefers a good balance of dryness and moisture in order to thrive. It is easy to give your basil too much water without realizing it. Signs of overwatering will mostly appear in the plant’s foliage. Basil’s usually bright leaves will turn yellow from the base of the leaf upward.
- You can overwater basil quite easily.
- Signs of overwatering appear in the foliage of the plant.
- Root rot is another classic sign of overwatering.
If you part the soil to feel the root, overwatered basil roots will feel soft and mushy, as opposed to firm and strong. This is the beginning of root rot, which is another sign of overwatering. The root ball may also look discolored, with colors ranging from yellowish-brown to almost black.
How Do You Know If Basil Needs Water?
The appearance of crispy, brown leaves is the biggest sign that your basil needs water. It may also look droopy and unhealthy. If you are growing basil indoors, feeling the weight of the container may also be a good indicator.
- Brown, crispy leaves are the number one sign that your basil needs water.
- Basil that looks droopy and lackluster may be water-deprived.
- Indoor basil pots that are very light may contain dried-out soil.
- Water your basil when the top ½ inch (1 cm) of soil is dry to the touch.
Because dry soil is very light, the container, depending on its size, may feel practically weightless if the soil has been allowed to dry out completely. One of the best ways to determine for sure if your basil is in need of water, however, is to touch the soil. If it is dry to the depth of half an inch (1 cm), it is definitely time to water your basil. If you are struggling to give your basil enough water, consider growing it in this Click & Grow smart garden.
- Fresh, organic food all year round.
- Energy-efficient systems optimized for plant growth.
- 100% free of plant hormones, pesticides, and other harmful additives.
- Easy to use and all nutrients required for plant growth are included in our soil pods.
- Use Coupon Code PHG10 for 10% off your order. Not applicable with any current promotions.
Does Basil Require Lots of Water?
Many things factor into the level of water basil requires. These include whether it is being grown indoors or outdoors, and how much full sun it receives. The keys to proper basil watering are:
- Water basil 1–3 times per week.
- When the top ½ inch (1 cm) of soil is dry, your basil needs water.
- Water until the top 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of soil is moist.
- Overwatered basil is identified by yellow leaves.
- Crispy or droopy leaves signal that basil needs water.
With a proper basil watering schedule, your herbs will thrive. A basil plant makes an excellent addition to any herb garden. It can easily be grown by a beginner because it is forgiving and hardy.
