sweet basil

Water sweet basil regularly to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant. Depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment, the plant may need to be watered up to twice a week. It is key to never let the soil dry out completely as basil likes to have consistently moist soil. Over-watering the plant can lead to potential root rot and other fungal diseases, so check the soil moisture levels prior to watering. A good way to remember how often you need to water is to stick your finger into the soil; if it is still just damp, you don’t yet need to water. If it's dry, then it’s time to water. When you do water your sweet basil, be sure to do it thoroughly and water until it flows out of the pot's drainage holes.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) thrives best when it receives full direct sunlight for 8 to 12 hours per day. If the light levels are too low, growth may slow down and the basil may become drawn and leggy.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) should be pruned when the plant begins to flower. This usually occurs in the late spring or early summer. Pruning the flowers will prevent it from going to seed, which will allow the plant to keep producing new basil leaves. Prune the stems of the sweet basil to encourage additional branching and about 1-third of the stems can be removed. Pruning sweet basil regularly will help to maintain its strong, healthy growth and higher yields of basil leaves.