Rant: I tried growing basil from seed versus buying a plant and the difference was huge

Last spring I started some basil seeds indoors in those little peat pots, and they took forever to sprout. I got impatient and bought a small plant from the local garden center for about $4. The store plant was ready to use in a week, while my seedlings were still tiny and weak for over a month. The bought plant just had a way stronger start and gave me leaves all summer. Has anyone else found that some herbs are just not worth the hassle of starting from seed?

3 comments

3 Comments

drew_reed624d ago

Man, I was totally on team "start from seed" for years... thought it was the only real way to garden. But my basil last season did the exact same thing. Those sad little sprouts just sat there forever while the four dollar plant from the hardware store went crazy. It's hard to argue with results... I'm starting to believe some herbs are just a way better value as a small plant. Changed my whole plan for this spring, honestly.

faith_thomas4d agoMost Upvoted

Right? Some herbs are just not worth the seed struggle.

logan_ellis4d ago

Ever try starting basil in a solo cup on a sunny windowsill versus just sticking a store-bought one in the ground? The difference in those first few weeks is wild. What other herbs are you buying as plants now instead of bothering with seeds?