Sowing Seed. The germination medium should be damp before it is placed in the container. Fill the container to within about 1/2 inch of the rim. Seed should be scattered uniformly across the surface at the rate of 10-20 seeds per square inch, or sown in rows. You may choose to give each seed more space, depending upon seed size and length of time small transplants will be left in the container. Seeds sown too thickly will result in excessive competition among plants and spindly growth. Cover with a thin layer of germination medium. Finely pulverized sphagnum moss has fungicidal properties and would be ideal for covering seed if it is available. Basil seeds will germinate in either dark or light conditions.
The ideal temperature for germination will vary depending upon the plant cultivar. However, most seeds will germinate very well within a range of 70-80 degrees F. Basil requires a media temperature of 70 degrees F for germination. Once the seed germinates, the basil transplants require a daytime growing temperature of 75 degrees F, and a nighttime temperature of 65 degrees F.
