Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most popular culinary herbs grown worldwide. Its distinct, slightly peppery aroma and sweet flavor profile make it a sought-after ingredient for fresh pestos, salads, and garnishes. Successfully growing basil begins with selecting a robust, healthy plant from a reliable source. This guide identifies the best places to purchase basil and explains how to ensure the plant you select will thrive.
Identifying Retail Sources
Dedicated garden centers and local nurseries often provide the highest quality basil plants, as their stock receives specialized care. These locations typically offer a broader selection of cultivars and staff who can provide knowledgeable advice on local growing conditions. While the price may be slightly higher, the plants are generally better established and less likely to carry pests or diseases.
Large home improvement stores and chain retailers offer convenience, selling basil starts at competitive prices. While easily accessible, the plants sold here may be subject to less consistent watering schedules and often spend less time under optimal growing conditions. Shoppers should inspect these plants carefully, as they are sometimes stressed from transport and varying levels of care.
Grocery stores also sell pre-potted basil, often intended for short-term use rather than long-term growth. These plants are typically grown hydroponically in dense bunches and are often root-bound, making them a weaker choice for transplanting. For the greatest variety, including specialty types like Lemon or Cinnamon basil, online retailers provide access to cultivars not found locally. Shipping live plants requires consideration of transit time and potential shock upon arrival.
Choosing the Right Basil Format
Deciding on the correct format for purchasing basil depends on the gardener’s timeline and desired effort level. Buying seeds is the most economical option and offers the widest selection of varieties, but it requires the longest time commitment before the first harvest. Starting basil from seed indoors about six weeks before the last expected frost provides a strong, acclimated start.
Starter plants, or transplants, offer a significant head start, allowing for a quicker harvest, usually within a few weeks of planting. These small plants have already passed the delicate germination stage and require only moderate care to establish themselves. For immediate use, a fully mature, potted plant provides instant gratification, but it represents the highest initial cost for the least long-term growth potential.
The cultivar choice also influences the required growing environment and flavor profile. Sweet Basil (Genovese) is the standard for pesto, while Thai Basil offers a distinct anise flavor and holds up better under heat. Bush Basil maintains a compact shape, making it suitable for smaller pots, and Purple Basil is grown primarily for its striking ornamental color.
Essential Quality Checks Before Purchase
Regardless of where the basil is purchased, a thorough visual inspection is necessary to ensure the plant is healthy. The leaves should display a uniform, vibrant green color, free from yellowing, browning, or dark spots, which can indicate nutrient deficiency or fungal issues. Inspect the undersides of the leaves and the junctions where they meet the stem for any signs of common pests.
Look for fine webbing, sticky residues (honeydew), or the presence of tiny insects like aphids or whiteflies. The stem should feel firm and sturdy, not weak or overly flexible, suggesting adequate hydration and structural integrity. Gently check the soil surface for signs of mold or fungus, which can result from overwatering and poor air circulation.
If possible, examine the roots by sliding the plant gently out of its container, especially at nurseries. Healthy roots should appear white or light tan and fill the pot without being excessively wound into a dense mass, which indicates severe root-binding and stress. Avoid plants sitting in standing water, as this can quickly lead to root rot, characterized by dark, mushy roots.
Immediate Care After Bringing Home
Once a healthy basil plant has been selected, the first steps are paramount for its long-term survival. Most commercially purchased basil, particularly the tightly packed grocery store variety, requires immediate repotting into a larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. This process relieves the root-bound condition and provides the roots space to expand.
Basil thrives on light, requiring a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain vigorous growth and flavorful leaves. Place the newly acquired plant in a sunny south-facing window indoors or gradually introduce it to a sunny spot outdoors, as a sudden change can cause leaf burn. Initial watering should be thorough, allowing water to drain completely from the bottom of the pot, but the plant should never be left sitting in a saucer of water.
Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings helps prevent fungal diseases and root rot. If the plant was purchased from a sheltered indoor environment, a short period of acclimatization is beneficial. Place it in a partially shaded outdoor area for a few days before moving it into full sun. This careful transition prevents environmental shock, maximizing the plant’s ability to settle.