Plant watering guide › Herbs (kitchen garden)
How often to water a basil
Ocimum basilicum
Spring–autumn 3 days
Winter 5 days
In a bright room, water your basil about every 3 days from spring to autumn and every 5 days in winter. Check that the top of the soil is dry first.
By season and light
| Season | Bright spot | Lower light |
|---|---|---|
| Spring to autumn (Apr–Oct) | every 3 days | every 4 days |
| November and March | every 4 days | every 5 days |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | every 5 days | every 6 days |
These are the starting intervals Trellis uses when you add a basil. Growth slows in winter, so the interval is stretched 1.5× in Dec–Feb and 1.25× in November and March, and 1.3× in lower light (seasons are flipped in the Southern Hemisphere). Pot size and room temperature change things, so adjust to how fast the soil dries.
Where to put it
By a window (lots of sun)
A sunny window
Seasonal notes
Winter
- Bring it to a warm window in winter
Summer
- In summer it may need water twice a day
Tips for your basil
- Basil loves water — do not let it dry out
- Pinch the tops for a bigger harvest
- Pick before it flowers to keep the leaves tender
Trellis
Add your basil and Trellis reminds you on watering day
- Starts at every 3 days. You can change it any time
- Invite family and see who watered what (free)
- Keep growth photos and share them as cards
Free to start. Pro is a one-time purchase, not a subscription.
