Short answer: sprinkle 8 to 15 g of dry basil seed evenly over a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist potting mix. Don't soak it, because the seed turns to gel. Mist it, cover it and keep it warm (70 to 80°F) and dark for 3 to 4 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below. Cut at 12 to 21 days, when the seed leaves are open.
Why grow basil microgreens?
- Big basil flavour in a tiny leaf, with a hint of clove.
- Pretty. Purple basil adds dark colour to a plate.
- No pinching or pruning. You harvest the whole tray at once.
- A chef favourite. A few leaves finish pasta, pizza, caprese and cocktails.
What you need
- Basil seed sold for microgreens
- A 10 × 20 inch tray set or a smaller 10 × 10 set
- About 1 inch of fine potting mix or coco coir
- A spray bottle and a cover
- Warmth and a bright window or LED light
Why you don't soak basil seed
Basil seed grows a clear gel coat as soon as it gets wet, much like chia. Soaked seed turns into one sticky clump. Sow it dry and let the moist soil and misting do the work. The gel actually helps: it holds water right against the seed.
How to grow basil microgreens, day by day
- Day0
Prepare the tray
Fill the holed tray with about 1 inch of fine, moist potting mix. Press it flat.
- Day0
Sow dry
Sprinkle the dry seed evenly over the surface. Mist well until the seeds look gel-coated.
- Day0–4
Warm blackout
Cover the tray and keep it warm, ideally 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C). Mist once or twice a day so the gel never dries.
- Day4
Uncover
Once most seeds have sprouted, take off the cover and give the tray bright light for 12 to 16 hours a day.
- Day4–18
Water from below
Water through the bottom tray. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Basil dislikes cold, wet roots.
- Day12–21
Harvest
Cut just above the soil when the seed leaves are fully open. Wait a few more days if you'd like the first true leaves.
Seed stuck on leaves? Basil seed coats often cling to the seed leaves. Mist the tray well a few hours before harvest and they'll slide off more easily.
Best basil varieties for microgreens
| Variety | Look | Flavour |
|---|---|---|
| Genovese | Bright green | Sweet, classic basil |
| Purple | Dark purple | Mild, slightly spicy |
| Thai | Green with purple stems | Anise and licorice |
Basil microgreens problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slow or patchy sprouting | Too cold or seed dried out | Keep it warm and mist the gel often |
| Damping off (stems collapse) | Cold, wet soil, still air | Water less, add a fan, sow thinner |
| Leggy and pale | Low light | Brighter light, closer LED |
| Seed coats on leaves | Normal for basil | Mist before harvest, brush off |
How to use basil microgreens
- Pizza and pasta: add after cooking so they stay fresh.
- Caprese and tomato salads.
- Pesto: a small but intense batch.
- Drinks: in lemonade, cocktails and iced tea.
- Soups: scatter on tomato soup just before serving.
Basil microgreens are delicate. Store them dry in a lined container, ideally in a warmer part of the fridge, and use them within 3 to 5 days. Basil darkens in very cold spots.
For another slow herb microgreen, see cilantro microgreens. For the full sprouting option, see the basil seed page.
Seeds in this article
Frequently asked questions
How long do basil microgreens take to grow?
About 12 to 21 days. Basil is one of the slower microgreens. Warmth speeds it up, so keep the tray around 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C) if you can.
Should I soak basil seeds for microgreens?
No. Basil seed forms a sticky gel when wet. Soaked seed clumps and is hard to spread. Sprinkle it dry onto moist soil and mist it well.
How much basil seed per tray?
About 8 to 15 g for a 10 × 20 inch tray, or half that for a 10 × 10 tray. Basil seed is small, so a little covers a lot.
Which basil is best for microgreens?
Genovese is the classic sweet basil. Purple basil is mild and colourful. Thai basil has a licorice note. All grow the same way, though purple types can be a little slower.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
