Basil is a warm-weather, fragrant herb that tastes great in many dishes—including the beloved homemade pesto! Plant seeds or transplants after all danger of frost has passed and soil is warm, and it will yield an abundant harvest within weeks. Keep harvesting the leaves to keep the plant going strong.

If you’re planning on making pesto, grow several plants. For other uses, one or two basil plants yields plenty.

• To get a jump on the season, start the seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last spring frost. 
• To plant outside, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 50°F (10°C)—preferably around 70ºF (21°C) for best growth. Nighttime temperatures shouldn’t drop below 50°F (10°C).
• Don’t rush basil. Without heat, the plant won’t grow well.