Basil is one of the most versatile herbs you can grow in your garden. It’s delicious in essentially every dish–pasta, salads, or as a pizza topping. Some people even use basil to remedy stomachaches or other ailments.
But what if your basil just isn’t growing well, or producing as many leaves as you need?
Well, the best thing to do for your basil plant is to give it a healthy dose of high-quality fertilizer!
There are countless options out there, especially when shopping online. To save you the headache of sifting through a billion fertilizers, I’ve compiled my top 5 favorite basil fertilizers into one list for you.
I’ve included a budget-friendly pick, my overall favorite, and my top choice for indoor basil plants (because we don’t all have the space for one outside, myself included).
I’ve also thrown in some helpful growing tips for you like what soil composition basil prefers, the best growing conditions for basil, and how to utilize basil in the healthy growth of other garden favorites like tomatoes.
I hope you enjoy this one-stop shop for picking out a high-quality fertilizer for basil!
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why you should fertilize your basil
- How to choose the right fertilizer for your basil
- The best growing conditions for your basil
- And much more!
Below is a quick list of my favorite fertilizers for basil. Keep scrolling to read the deep dives of my top tips to choose and use the best fertilizer for basil!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Top Pick  | Overall Top Pick | Jobe's Herb Fertilizer Spikes
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| View on Amazon |
Best Pick for Indoor Basil Plants  | Best Pick for Indoor Basil Plants | HydraGreens Plant Fertilizer
|
| View on Amazon |
Best Budget-Friendly Pick  | Best Budget-Friendly Pick | TPS Nutrients Herb Plant Food
|
| View on Amazon |
Best Pick for In-Ground Basil Plants  | Best Pick for In-Ground Basil Plants | Down to Earth Vegetable Garden Fertilizer
|
| View on Amazon |
Best Organic Pick  | Best Organic Pick | Joyful Dirt Organic Fertilizer
|
| View on Amazon |
My Overall Top #1 Pick: Jobe’s Herb Fertilizer Spikes
While all of these are amazing products, I’ve found that basil most enjoys Jobe’s Herb Fertilizer Spikes.
These convenient fertilizer spikes are pre-measure and are a breeze to use. Simply stick them in the soil as directed and let them work their magic!
The 4-3-3 NPK ratio promotes leafy growth without neglecting the overall health of your plant, which is super important. The higher nitrogen content makes this formula perfect for herbs such as basil.
Unlike flowering plants such as clematis, you want a higher nitrogen content to promote leaf growth for plants whose flavor is all in the leaves. That makes this product perfect for your basil!
I also love that Jobe’s products are safe for pets and kids. It gives me peace of mind to know that even if my dog noses her way into the garden, she’ll be safe.
If this super-awesome organic product doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, don’t worry! I’ve got 4 more amazing fertilizers for basil for you to check out down below.
Top 5 Best Fertilizers For Basil
In a hurry? No worries! Below are my top 5 fertilizers for your basil!
- Jobe’s Herb Fertilizer Spikes (My Top Pick)
- HydraGreens Plant Fertilizer (Best Pick for Indoor Basil Plants)
- TPS Nutrients Herb Plant Food (Best Budget-Friendly Pick)
- Down to Earth Vegetable Garden Fertilizer (Best Pick for In-Ground Basil Plants)
- Joyful Dirt Organic Fertilizer (Best Organic Pick)
Why Should You Invest In A High-Quality Fertilizer For Your Basil?
You might be wondering why you even need a high-quality fertilizer for your basil. It’s a simple herb, after all, and it’s pretty easy to grow. Well, there are a few good benefits of fertilizer that both you and your basil can reap.
Ideal Basil Growing Conditions
Basil enjoys lots of sunlight, but can wilt a bit if the sun in your area is too strong. Consider placing your basil in a spot where it gets a bit of shade at midday, or even keeping your basil in a pot so that it’s easy to move.
Having potted basil is super simple and allows you to grow your basil either indoors or outdoors (or both!). I highly recommend keeping your basil in a pot if it’s your first time growing this herb. That way you can get a sense as to what it likes to help it thrive.
Basil also enjoys moist but not drenched soil. During the hottest months, consider watering your basil every day, or every other day. If potted, you can water from the bottom by placing your basil in a tub of water. This allows it to soak up only as much water as it needs.
If you’ve never seen bottoms-up watering, here’s a little guide on how to do it:
By fertilizing your basil, you can help it take advantage of the sunlight and water that it’s able to get, especially if conditions aren’t ideal. I highly recommend utilizing a high-quality fertilizer to maximize your growing conditions.
Companion Planting With Basil
When it comes to outdoor gardening I love companion planting! Simply put, companion planting is the best way to maximize the efficacy of your gardening space by putting like-minded plants together.
Companion planting can help to ward off pests (even ones as big as raccoons), keep your soil quality high, and even improve the flavor of the fruits and vegetables you grow.
Utilizing fertilizer for your basil will not only benefit the herb but the plants that the herb is there to help. It’s a win-win for you and your garden!
What to Consider When Choosing The Right Fertilizer For Basil
Fertilizer Composition
High-quality fertilizers are packed full of nutrients, but there are 3 that truly stand out from the rest.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the most important elements for plant growth. You’ll see them represented on a product label as a series of 3 numbers, called the NPK ratio. It’ll look something like this: 10-10-10.
Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for promoting leafy growth, which makes it especially good for herbs and houseplants, like pothos. This is especially important for basil, where the leaves are all the flavor!
Phosphorus aids in flowering and cell growth, making it vital for seedlings and young plants. Plants like bougainvillea rely a lot on phosphorus to stimulate flowering.
Last but most certainly not least, potassium is essential for root health and your plant’s immune system. It helps to ward off diseases and pests, which is especially helpful for outdoor basil plants that are more likely to come into contact with contaminants.
All 3 nutrients in the NPK ratio are vital for plant health, but it’s important to pick a fertilizer that’s full of micronutrients, too. Other elements like sulfur, calcium, and zinc help plants to fully thrive. Luckily for you, the fertilizers on this list are full of all the essentials that your basil needs to thrive!
Liquid v. Granular
Liquid and granular fertilizers both have the same goal of feeding your plant but go about achieving that goal in different ways.
Liquid fertilizer works faster and is easier to apply. It’s also not typically as potent as granular fertilizer, so you can use it more often. It’s easy to dilute in water for application and to flush out of the soil if your basil plant isn’t a fan (if your basil is grown in a pot).
However, liquid fertilizer can be more expensive, and it requires the additional work of diluting it. Plus, you typically have to use it more often, especially in an in-ground plant where it can get diluted into the surrounding soil.
Granular fertilizer is slower-releasing, which is good for larger plants and also lazy gardeners such as myself. It’s also typically cheaper, in my experience, and there are more varieties. Plus, granular fertilizer has a longer shelf life.
However, it can burn your basil, and it’s hard to remove from the soil once you apply it, especially in an in-ground setting.
It’s all about finding what works for you and your basil plant. I’ve provided a variety of options on this list so that no matter your preference, you can still find a high-quality product!
Organic v. Inorganic
Fertilizers can either be organic (all-natural) or inorganic (synthetic). Both have some pros and cons, but I use both on my plants depending on the need of the individual.
Organic fertilizers don’t disrupt the natural ecosystem of the soil and don’t leave behind any unnatural residue once the plant absorbs what it needs (when used properly). They’re also less likely to burn your plant since they’re all-natural. However, they can be more expensive.
I really like organic fertilizers for outdoor plants, since all fertilizers can impact the environment. Using an organic product can mitigate some of that impact, which is always a win for me.
Inorganic fertilizers are typically cheaper and easier to find. They also tend to work faster than organic products. However, it can be easier to burn your plant with an inorganic fertilizer, so use it sparingly at first.
Regardless of what type of fertilizer you use, if you use it properly, then your basil will be happy! Over-fertilizing can burn your plant no matter what, so be sure to apply properly and follow the directions on the package.
My Reviews of the Best Fertilizers for Basil
1. Jobe’s Herb Fertilizer Spikes (My Top Pick)
I’m a huge fan of fertilizer spikes, especially high-quality ones like these! Jobe’s is one of my favorite brands thanks to their gentle formulas and plant-specific designs. The 4-3-3 NPK ratio is perfect for leafy greens like basil, and it’s gentle enough even for seedlings.
What I love most about this product is the convenience. All you have to do is stick a few fertilizer spikes into your basil pot/in the ground beside it (read the packaging for directions) and bam! Long-lasting fertilization begins immediately.
This product is also safe for pets and kids, which is why I like it for both indoor and outdoor basil. One Amazon reviewer even stated that her dog ate them and was completely fine, so you know it’s proven to be safe!
The only downside to this product is that it can easily mold. Be sure to keep an eye on the soil around your basil and remove the spikes if you notice mold growth.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Easy to use + Designed specifically for herbs + Certified organic | – Can cause mold growth on soil |
2. HydraGreens Plant Fertilizer (Best Pick for Indoor Basil Plants)
This all-purpose liquid plant food is packed full of micronutrients for your basil! The addition of sea kelp is what brings the flavor here, bringing in over 60 essential nutrients to help your herb thrive.
I love this product for potted basil because potted plants can easily become nutrient deficient. The best way to combat that is with micronutrients!
The 3-1-2 NPK ratio is perfect for basil since the higher nitrogen content promotes leafy growth. While this product isn’t safe for pets and kids, it does come with a childproof cap to give you peace of mind.
My biggest issue with this product is that since it’s water-soluble and has such a gentle NPK ratio, it might dilute too much in an in-ground environment to be effective. This is definitely a perfect product for potted basil, but isn’t very suitable for in-ground plants.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Filled with over 60 micronutrients to combat nutrient depletion + Water-soluble formula + Designed for herbs and other leafy greens | – Not great for in-ground basil |
3. TPS Nutrients Herb Plant Food (Best Budget-Friendly Pick)
This product is also safe for pets and kids, which is why I like it for both indoor and outdoor basil. One Amazon reviewer even stated that her dog ate them and was completely fine, so you know it’s proven to be safe!
The only downside to this product is that it can easily mold. Be sure to keep an eye on the soil around your basil and remove the spikes if you notice mold growth.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Made for leafy greens like basil + Budget-friendly +Filled with micronutrients | – Easy to use too much due to bottle design |
4. Down to Earth Vegetable Garden Fertilizer (Best Pick for In-Ground Basil Plants)
I love this well-rounded vegetable fertilizer for basil that’s grown in the ground. The 4-4-4 NPK ratio is suitable for all garden plants, so it’s great for companion planting.
Having a well-rounded formula means that if it also ends up fertilizing other plants, it will benefit them, too. Plus, the organic formula is gentle enough for even the most delicate companion plants.
One of the things I love about Down to Earth is their commitment to being environmentally friendly. You can even add the box to your compost once you’ve used up this product since it’s printed with all-natural ink!
A word of caution for vegan/vegetarian gardeners: this product does contain fish and feather meal, so it isn’t vegan/vegetarian friendly. If that doesn’t bother you, then I highly recommend using this product for your basil, especially if it’s in the ground!
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Well-rounded 4-4-4 NPK ratio + Great for companion planting + Organic formula (including the box!) | – Not vegan/vegetarian friendly |
5. Joyful Dirt Organic Fertilizer (Best Organic Pick)
Joyful Dirt is one of my favorite organic fertilizers and for good reason! The convenient shaker bottle is perfect for lazy gardeners such as myself, and the certified organic formula is so gentle.
I highly recommend this product for basil of all ages, especially seedlings. The 3-1-2 NPK ratio is gentle enough to jumpstart your baby basil’s growth.
Joyful Dirt is also safe for pets and kids, making this a great product for a windowsill herb garden.
This product contains Mycorrhizae, a fungus that is beneficial for root growth. If you have a Mycorrhizae/mushroom allergy, please do not purchase this fertilizer (and always be sure to check your labels!).
Because of the shaker bottle design, the Mycorrhizae spores can spread more easily, triggering an allergic reaction. However, if you don’t have an allergy to mushrooms, then this product is a great choice!
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Convenient shaker bottle + Gentle NPK ratio + Certified organic | – Can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to mushrooms/Mycorrhizae |
My Top Pick: Jobe’s Herb Fertilizer Spikes
While I adore all of these herb fertilizers for basil, Jobe’s Herb Fertilizer Spikes are my favorite! They’re convenient, organic, and safe for pets and kids.
I love how easy it is to use these fertilizer spikes. All you have to do is pop them into the soil as directed, and you’ll see results in no time!
I also love how easy it is to stop using these fertilizer spikes. If your basil is somehow unhappy, all you need to do is remove the fertilizer spike from the soil, and your plant will start to feel better.
With that being said, I’ve never had a problem with any of Jobe’s products, especially not these!
I hope you enjoy these amazing herb fertilizer spikes, and that your basil is as lush as can be! Enjoy a plate of homemade pesto for me.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fertilizer for Basil
Basil is one of the best herbs you can grow in your garden, whether it be indoors or outdoors. It’s versatile, delicious, and smells absolutely divine.
The best way to ensure bold flavors and a happy plant is to fertilize your basil with a high-quality product. Luckily for you, this list of the best fertilizers for basil contains 5 great options!
No matter what product you choose, you basil with be happy with one of these options. Be sure to apply your fertilizer thoroughly and properly, and enjoy the robust growth you’ll see as a result.
Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay planting!
FAQ
Why Is My Basil Turning Yellow?
Basil plants turn yellow for two reasons: overwatering and underwatering. Basil plants enjoy deep waterings once a week. Be sure to thoroughly soak your basil’s roots when you water it, but allow it to dry out between waterings. If your basil is in a pot, consider bringing it indoors to an environment where you can control how much water it receives.
Why Is My Basil Flowering?
Basil flowers are a sign that your plant is moving into a reproductive stage rather than a growth stage. The flowers both look and smell beautiful, but can inhibit growth of those yummy leaves basil is known for! Feel free to pull off the flowers to continue encouraging your basil to grow leaves.
How to Get Basil to Stand Up?
When plants get long and droopy, they’re referred to as “leggy.” Leggy basil can be avoided with proper pruning; prune your basil so that it grows no taller than 8-10 inches. This will encourage outward growth rather than upward growth. If your basil is still drooping, then gently stake it like you would a tomato plant.
Why Is My Basil Wilting?
Basil typically wilts because it has been exposed to sun that’s too strong. In the heat of summer, basil wilts easily. If you notice your basil wilting in the afternoons, consider upping your watering routine to 2-3x per week. If your basil is in a pot, transfer it to a shady spot in the afternoons to avoid the worst of the heat.