Microgreens

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Basil is the most temperature-demanding microgreen: it needs constant warmth and more light than any other. In return, it delivers essential oils like linalool and eugenol, with a premium aroma.

Harvest: Harvest: 10–14 days
Temperature: Temperature: 72–82 °F (22–28 °C)
Difficulty: Difficulty: Medium

Quick step-by-step

Prepare the tray
Use a 20×40 cm (8×16 in) tray with 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) of growing medium.
Sow without soaking
No presoak needed: the seeds are mucilaginous.
Keep the temperature constant
Hold it at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) with no fluctuations: sudden swings stall growth.
Give it intense light
14 to 16 hours of intense light, more than any other microgreen. A grow light is recommended indoors.
Mist lightly
Keep the medium moist, never soaked, with light misting.
Harvest in 10 to 14 days
Cut once it's ready; intense light improves the final aroma and color.

Common mistakes

Letting the temperature drop
Below 18 °C (64 °F) growth stalls, and below 16 °C (61 °F) the seedlings die.
Trying it in winter without temperature control
It's the most temperature-demanding microgreen: not beginner-friendly in winter without heat control.