Basil wants particular care in winter—what it is best to do now for a greater harvest

Fresh basil is a delicious, versatile ingredient in cooking, and one of the best ways to ensure an abundant supply is to grow your own.

But what happens after the growing season ends? Temperatures below 50°F can damage basil leaves, and exposure to temperatures of 45°F or below can kill the plant. This is true for different types of basil Which includes Italian, Thai and purple varieties.

Because basil is perennial Only in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12, gardeners in cooler climates must take special care at the end of the growing season to maximize harvest. Here’s how to overwinter basil after the growing season has ended.

How to take care of basil in winter

bring indoors

It is possible to dig basil plants underground, put them in containers And keep them indoors for a few months in winter to extend their life.

Basil plants grown outside in containers can be brought inside for the season—just be sure to follow the same steps for bringing houseplants indoors for winter.

Bring basil plants inside before nighttime temperatures consistently drop into the 50°F range to avoid damaging the plants’ delicate leaves.

lights

Basil needs full sun, so plants brought indoors for the winter will need to receive at least 6 to 8 hours of bright, direct sunlight per day, such as from a south-facing window.

If your space cannot provide that much light, you will have to use grow lights instead. Program the light to run 12 to 14 hours a day and position it about 12 inches from the plant.

Water

Continue watering regularly through late summer and early autumn. Basil plants that are stressed by drought conditions will be less likely to withstand cold temperatures or survive the transition from outdoors to indoors.

Once it’s inside, water your basil plant enough so that the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy. Note that the plant will require less water than during the summer months.

fertilization

Avoid fertilizing after August any basil plants you plan to overwinter. This way, your basil can acclimate itself to cooler temperatures during September and October rather than expending energy on new growth.

After bringing the plants in for the winter, it is not necessary to add fertilizer if you are using fresh, compost-based potting mix in the container.

Sorting

continue harvesting basil Until before your area’s first frost date. Avoid pruning plants you want to keep indoors over the winter after this date.

take cuttings Promote Indoors Even before your area’s anticipated first frost.

insect

Check outdoor basil plants thoroughly before bringing them indoors for the winter. Look for signs of common pests like whiteflies and aphids.

Check the undersides of leaves for insect eggs. Spray the pests with a strong stream of water or use organic insecticidal soap to remove them, making sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully.

drying basil in winter

Growing basil plants indoors in winter can be difficult due to this herb’s significant light requirements. One option is to harvest and preserve the basil at the end of the growing season for use throughout the winter.

You can make your own dried basil by cutting off the stem tips during the growing season, tying them with string, and hanging them upside down in a dry, airy place.

At the end of the growing season, you can cut entire plants off at the base of the stem and hang them to dry. Wait until the leaves are completely dry and crisp before separating the leaves from the stems and storing them in an airtight glass jar or plastic container.

You can also preserve basil by blanching, chopping and freezing it in oil or making pesto that can be frozen for later use.

Basil Winter Care Tips

• You can root basil cuttings in water at the end of the growing season instead of digging the plants up to bring them indoors. When the roots are one inch long, plant the cuttings in pots and care for them as usual.
• Another option to enjoy fresh basil in your kitchen all winter long is to grow it hydroponically with a kit indoor garden system,
• In zones 8 and 9, you may be able to use season-extension devices like cold frames or cloches to help outdoor basil plants survive longer into the fall.
• Although it is possible to extend the life of your basil plants by bringing them indoors for the winter, eventually they will flower, go to seed and die back. Planning to plant new plants or purchase basil will begin next spring.