Basil, with its aromatic leaves and fresh, peppery flavor, is a favorite herb for home gardeners and chefs alike.
While basil thrives in warm weather, November can present some challenges as temperatures drop and sunlight wanes.
But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to keep your basil healthy and vibrant, even in the cooler months.
With the right care, you can protect your basil plants from the cold, extend their lifespan, and even keep them growing indoors.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential steps for caring for basil in November, from protecting it outdoors to nurturing it indoors.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to keep your basil thriving.
Bringing Basil Indoors for the Winter
As November temperatures start to dip, it may be time to bring your basil plants indoors.
Basil is sensitive to frost, and even a brief exposure to freezing temperatures can harm or kill the plant.
To transition basil indoors, begin by placing it in a shaded spot outside for a few days to help it adjust to lower light.
Then, bring the plant inside, placing it in a sunny windowsill or under a grow light if natural sunlight is limited.
Make sure to choose a spot where the temperature stays consistently warm, ideally between 65 and 75°F.
By bringing basil indoors, you’re giving it a better chance to survive and continue producing flavorful leaves all winter long.
This simple step allows you to enjoy fresh basil even in the colder months.
Adjusting Light Conditions Indoors
Basil plants need a lot of light to stay healthy and produce flavorful leaves, especially during winter’s shorter days.
If you’re growing basil indoors in November, aim to provide at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Place the plant in a south-facing window where it can soak up as much natural light as possible.
If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to supplement.
Position the grow light about 6–12 inches above the plant, keeping it on for 12–14 hours per day to mimic sunlight.
Proper lighting is essential for basil to thrive indoors, as it encourages leaf growth and keeps the plant from becoming leggy.
By adjusting the light conditions, you’re giving your basil the environment it needs to stay lush and productive.
Monitoring Temperature and Humidity
Basil is sensitive to temperature changes, and indoor conditions can sometimes fluctuate more than we realize.
Keep your basil plant in a room where temperatures remain between 65 and 75°F, away from cold drafts and heating vents.
If the air indoors becomes too dry, especially with heaters running, consider using a humidity tray or misting the plant occasionally.
Simply fill a shallow tray with water, place pebbles in it, and set the pot on top, ensuring the pot doesn’t sit directly in water.
This setup adds humidity around the plant as the water evaporates, mimicking the warmer, humid environment basil prefers.
Monitoring temperature and humidity is key to helping your basil adjust to indoor conditions in November.
With the right setup, you’re creating a comfortable environment that supports growth and health.
Watering Basil in November
Basil’s watering needs change as it moves indoors and growth slows in cooler weather.
Check the soil moisture regularly, and water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Indoor basil usually needs less frequent watering than outdoor basil, as cooler temperatures and lower light reduce evaporation.
Avoid letting water sit in the saucer under the pot, as basil’s roots can be prone to rot if they’re constantly wet.
When watering, add enough to moisten the root zone, but avoid drenching the plant to prevent soggy soil.
This careful watering routine keeps your basil healthy and prevents common indoor issues like root rot and mold.
By adjusting your watering habits, you’re helping your basil thrive through the slower winter months.
Pruning and Harvesting Basil
Pruning basil regularly encourages bushier growth and prevents it from getting leggy.
In November, focus on light pruning to remove any weak, yellowing, or damaged leaves.
Cut just above a pair of healthy leaves, as this will encourage new growth from the node below.
Regular pruning keeps your basil looking full and helps it conserve energy, which is especially important in winter.
Harvest leaves as needed, taking only a few from each stem to avoid stressing the plant.
Even in winter, you can enjoy fresh basil in your cooking by following a gentle harvesting routine.
This approach keeps your basil productive and prevents it from becoming scraggly indoors.
Checking for Pests
Indoor plants aren’t immune to pests, so it’s essential to check your basil regularly for any unwelcome guests.
Common pests on indoor basil include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can quickly damage the plant if left untreated.
Inspect both sides of the leaves and stems for any tiny insects, webbing, or sticky residue.
If you find pests, use a mild insecticidal soap or make a solution of water and a few drops of dish soap.
Spray the solution on the affected areas, making sure to cover all surfaces, and repeat as needed until the pests are gone.
By staying vigilant, you’re keeping your basil pest-free and healthier through the winter months.
This small effort helps ensure your plant stays in top condition, even indoors.
Fertilizing Indoor Basil in Winter
As basil growth slows in winter, it doesn’t require as much fertilizer as during the growing season.
In November, hold off on fertilizing or use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month at most.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause leggy growth and reduce the flavor of the leaves.
A light feeding in late winter, as the days start getting longer, can help the plant prepare for spring.
This restrained approach to fertilizing supports steady, manageable growth without overwhelming the plant.
By adjusting your fertilizing routine, you’re helping your basil stay healthy and flavorful indoors.
Managing Basil Outdoors in Warmer Climates
If you live in a warmer climate where temperatures rarely dip below freezing, you may be able to keep your basil outdoors in November.
Cover basil plants with a frost cloth or row cover on particularly chilly nights to protect them from sudden temperature drops.
Place the basil in a sunny, sheltered spot, and consider using a cloche or mini-greenhouse setup for extra warmth.
Even in mild winters, basil may grow more slowly, so reduce watering to prevent waterlogged soil.
Outdoor basil in November still requires attention, but with the right care, it can continue thriving in warmer areas.
This strategy lets you enjoy fresh basil year-round if your climate allows.
Overwintering Basil Cuttings
If you’d like to have basil ready to plant outdoors next spring, consider taking cuttings and growing them indoors through the winter.
Select healthy, green stems about 4–6 inches long and remove the leaves from the lower half of each cutting.
Place the cuttings in a glass of water in a bright spot, changing the water every few days to prevent bacteria buildup.
Within a week or two, roots should start to form, and once they’re an inch or two long, you can transplant the cuttings into pots with potting soil.
Overwintering basil cuttings is a simple, rewarding way to multiply your basil plants for the next growing season.
This method ensures you have fresh plants ready to go in spring.
Protecting Basil from Frost Outdoors
For those in areas with mild autumns but potential frosty nights, protecting outdoor basil from sudden frosts is key.
Cover basil plants with a frost cloth or an old sheet overnight to insulate them from the cold.
Remove the cover during the day to let the plants get as much sunlight as possible.
Adding a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant also helps insulate the roots, keeping them warmer.
By shielding your basil from frost, you’re extending its outdoor life and preserving the leaves for as long as possible.
This protective measure can help keep basil growing until temperatures become consistently cold.
Final Thoughts
Caring for basil in November is all about adapting to cooler temperatures, whether you’re growing it indoors or outdoors.
By bringing basil indoors, adjusting light and watering, monitoring for pests, and protecting it from frost, you’re helping it survive the winter months.
These small steps make a big difference, keeping your basil healthy and ready to produce flavorful leaves throughout the season.
With these tips, you can enjoy fresh basil all winter long, adding a touch of summer to your meals even as the days grow colder.
Happy gardening, and here’s to a thriving, flavorful basil plant that brings joy and flavor to your kitchen year-round!