Herb
Can you grow Basil on a balcony?
Ocimum basilicum
Yes — great in containers
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) grows well on a balcony in a pot of at least 8 litres (about 20 cm deep). It needs full sun — around 6+ hours of direct sun a day. Pick leaves throughout summer; microgreens ready in 10–14 days, seeds germinate in 5–7 days. All figures below are sourced from RHS and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Sun
☀️ Full sun (6+ h)
Min. pot
8 L · 20 cm
Water
Medium
Difficulty
Easy
Hardiness
Annual
Container fit
Excellent
Sow
Sow indoors Mar–Jul in gentle heat; keep young plants indoors until after the last frost, or sow outdoors in early summer once nights stay above 10°C
Harvest
Pick leaves throughout summer; microgreens ready in 10–14 days, seeds germinate in 5–7 days
Good companions: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, asparagus, chives, and root veg (carrots, beets, radishes)
Avoid nearby: Sage, lavender, fennel
Balcony tip: Container growing is often more successful than in the ground because a pot gives the free-draining conditions basil needs; use a container at least 20cm wide and deep and water in the morning to avoid wet roots overnight
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More herbs for balconies
Häufige Fragen
What size pot does Basil need?
Basil needs a container of at least 8 litres, roughly 20 cm deep. Bigger pots dry out more slowly and give better yields on a balcony.
How much sun does Basil need on a balcony?
Basil wants full sun — about 6+ hours of direct sun daily. Match it to your balcony's aspect before buying seed.
When do you sow Basil?
Sow indoors Mar–Jul in gentle heat; keep young plants indoors until after the last frost, or sow outdoors in early summer once nights stay above 10°C. Timing shifts with your climate/USDA zone — the linked sources give the detail.
Sources & date
- RHS: Basil
- Old Farmer's Almanac: Basil
- Data as of: 2026-07-10
- Container sizes and timings are guidance — adjust to your climate/USDA zone and balcony aspect.