allenstu,

A great discussion right here on GardenWeb:

Here is a link that might be useful: Basil Growth

allenstu ... it grows best in the ground, with full sun, thick mulch and regular water. It is very heat tolerant, as is rosemary and oregano.

For containers, morning sun and a larger than usual container, maybe a double-walled one (put the pot inside a larger one) to shade the root area.

Allenstu-

I've grown several types of basil in containers here in AZ. I have them on my south-facing porch all year long. So, the containers get quite a bit of afternoon sun. The most important thing to remember is water of course! I have sweet basil, Thai basil & purple ruffles.

Basil is easily grown here, for me at least, but don't ask me about my tomatoes!

Chef - how big are your pots, and what kind?

I've had poor luck with containers of anything.

One thing we have noticed with our basils is that clay pots (containers) show no mercy. We have to water them DAILY. Now the plastic and fiberglass decorative ones are a bit more merciful. And our bedded basils need little tending where water is concerned. Of course the indoor basils are easy. :)

Lazy- I used different sized clay pots. The Thai basil below is in an 8" pot, while the Italian basil & Purple Ruffles are in 14" pots. I had to replace the Italian basil this year because my established 2yr old froze this winter! I probably water them in the summer every other day.

Thai Basil

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Purple Ruffles is sharing space with depleted Fennel Bulbs

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Italian Basil

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From seed Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum):

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Sweet Basil Transplant:

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From seed (Mammoth):

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Looking good Mangled! How do you use up all your basil?

Lots of pasta dishes. Also makes a great addition to salads and dressings.

I'm the cook in the house. LOL If she cooked, we would be eating outta the microwave and from boxed junk ;) Although, lately she has started to come around. She made brownies in a SunOven she purchased online. They were quite good. But I did advise her to sub milk and butter for the water and oil the box called for, which helped a LOT.

Here's a simple list, and google has tons of listings for Basil uses.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=using+basil&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Here is a link that might be useful: Basil: Everyone's Favorite Herb!

Thanks Mangled! I'll look it up. Mine basil never goes to waste, but was curious how you manage with so much of it. :-)

az_pamperedchef,

gonna try this one out this weekend:
Honey-Basil Grilled Cheese

Here is a link that might be useful: 'Wich of the Week: Honey-Basil Grilled Cheese

Container vegetables do not like all day sun so think {{gwi:404883}}

Mangled-

That 'wich looks delish! Did you try it and how was it?

AZ PC

az pamperedchef,

Nope, totally ate all the Campari tomatoes we bought to make the grilled cheese with. Couldn't stop eating them. LOL Have to fetch some more.

LOL! I'm sure they were good.

My basil are all just sitting doing nothing. They are in ground in various places and have been fertilized/watered with everything else. Hardly any growyth to speak of. What am I doing wrong? I have sweet, lettuce leaf and cinnamon.

I have tried so many times to grow basil...in containers, outside, inside, in the ground...you name it and I have tried it!!! My basil always turns brown/black and dies within a few weeks (if that long). What am I doing wrong?? I water and check the soil often to make sure I am not over watering or under. I have young kids who love to eat the basil right from the plant & want to know why mommy keeps killing it!!!
Help in Mesa!!!

Tammi -
I don't know - it grows like a weed for me, in full sun in the ground, with a drip system.

How are you watering and fertilizing it, and which varieties are you growing?

Well, I seem to finally have gotten the hang of basil. I think it was an iron, Ph, and maybe a bit of nitrogen. As my soil improved, my basil took off.
This year, I have a basil in 100% composted horse manure, it's growing like crazy. I just direct sowed some seed in the same garden, hope they take off too. I make pesto and freeze it when I get more than we can keep up with. We eat a lot fresh, on top of pasta, meats, veggies and especially on eggplant, another heat lover.