Basil 2026

Basil does not spread like mint, and that’s actually great news for your garden.   Mint is famously aggressive and will take over every corner of your yard if you let it.   Basil, on the other hand, stays put in a neat clump and doesn’t send out runners underground.   If you’ve been worried … Read more

Does basil smell like licorice? Yes, basil can smell like licorice, and it’s all thanks to a specific compound that some varieties produce in high amounts.   If you’ve ever brushed past a sweet basil plant and caught a whiff of something surprisingly anise-like, you’re not imagining things.   The question of whether basil smells … Read more

Basil seeds do not need light to germinate, and in fact, they often sprout faster in complete darkness.   If you’ve been wondering whether basil seeds need light to germinate, the simple answer is no, light isn’t a requirement for the initial sprouting stage.   While basil seeds do not need light to germinate, they … Read more

Does basil seed need light to germinate? The short answer is no, basil seeds do not need light to germinate.   In fact, they actually prefer complete darkness during the germination process, which is a crucial detail for any gardener to understand.   While many seeds require light exposure to trigger sprouting, basil seeds are … Read more

Yes, basil does self-pollinate, and it’s one of the easiest herbs to grow for that very reason. In fact, basil’s ability to self-pollinate means you don’t need bees, wind, or any other pollinator to help your plants produce seeds. This self-pollinating nature is why a single basil plant can thrive in a container on your … Read more