How Much Space Do Basil Plants Need?

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) might seem like a carefree herb, but when it comes to spacing—it’s surprisingly picky.

Whether you’re planting in the ground or a container, giving your basil the right amount of room is a science-backed way to boost its health, size, and aroma.

How much space does a basil plant need to grow properly?

Basil plants need at least 6 to 12 inches (15–30 cm) between each plant in garden beds, and one plant per 8–12 inch pot in containers.

Giving them enough space prevents disease, promotes air flow, and supports robust root development.

Garden bed spacing: row vs. plant

When planting in rows, space basil plants 12 to 18 inches (30–45 cm) apart with rows around 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart.

According to research published in The Pharma Innovation Journal, wider spacing—up to 40 cm x 30 cm—encourages taller plants and better vegetative growth.

Container gardening spacing

For potted basil, each plant should have its own pot that’s at least 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. USU Extension research shows that crowding basil in containers inhibits root growth and reduces plant vigor.

Want to go deeper into growing basil in containers? Check out our full guide on how to grow bushy basil in containers.

Why is spacing important for basil plants?

Spacing is critical because it directly affects basil’s growth, air circulation, and disease prevention.

Closely spaced basil plants compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced foliage and increased risk of fungal issues.

Airflow & disease prevention

Good spacing allows air to circulate, which keeps leaves dry and reduces fungal diseases like downy mildew.

If you’ve ever wondered why your basil gets spotty leaves, overcrowding could be the culprit.

Light access

Basil loves sun. Without enough room, leaves shade each other out, resulting in leggy plants with weak stems.

For light-loving herbs like basil, spacing = sunshine = stronger growth.

What is the recommended spacing for basil in containers vs. garden beds?

Spacing recommendations depend on where you’re planting. For garden beds, give each basil plant at least 12 inches of personal space.

In containers, it’s one plant per pot unless you’re using a very large container (18″+).

How far apart should basil be in pots or containers?

Use an 8–12 inch pot for each plant. Avoid planting multiple basil seedlings in one small container—it leads to root crowding, nutrient competition, and stunted growth.

If you’re not sure what pot to choose, here’s our breakdown of ideal basil pot sizes.

How much space do basil plants need in raised beds?

For raised beds, follow the same spacing guidelines as in-ground planting: 12 inches between plants.

Raised beds often drain faster, so spacing is also about moisture management. Here’s more on how to plant basil in raised beds.

Does basil spacing vary by variety?

Yes, different basil types have slightly different growth habits and spacing needs. For example:

• Genovese Basil: 10–12 inches apart
• Thai Basil: 6–8 inches apart
• Sweet Basil: 10–12 inches apart
• Lemon Basil: 8–10 inches apart

Want to explore more types? Browse our complete basil variety guide.

How do light and airflow affect basil spacing needs?

More light and better airflow = healthier basil. In shaded or humid areas, give plants even more room (14–16 inches) to reduce the chance of mildew and allow light to penetrate all sides of the plant.

Curious if your basil is getting enough sun? Read: Does basil need full sun?

What happens if basil plants are too close together?

When basil is crowded, several issues crop up: poor airflow, fungal diseases, weak stems, and limited leaf development. Scientific studies show that crowded basil also grows shorter and produces fewer leaves.

If your basil looks thin or floppy, spacing might be to blame. We explain more on how to fix leggy basil in our guide on growing bushy basil.

How to measure and ensure proper spacing when planting basil?

Use a ruler or your hand (an average adult hand is ~7 inches from palm to fingertips) to gauge spacing. Mark out spots in advance with stakes or chalk. For containers, stick to one plant per pot unless you’re using a very large one.

Also, check our full tutorial on growing basil from seeds, where we talk about spacing from the very start.

FAQ – Basil Spacing Quick Answers

How close is too close for basil?

Anything under 6 inches (15 cm) between plants increases competition and risks diseases. Aim for 10–12 inches minimum.

Can I grow multiple basil plants in one pot?

Only if the pot is large—at least 18 inches wide. Otherwise, stick to one plant per pot for optimal health.

How many basil plants per square foot?

Generally, 1 basil plant per square foot works well in raised beds or intensive planting setups.

How deep should basil roots grow?

Basil roots can reach 6–8 inches deep, so make sure your soil or container supports that.

Final Thoughts on Optimal Basil Spacing

Basil may be easy to grow, but it thrives on attention to detail—especially when it comes to space. Whether you’re working with a sunny patio or a raised bed, giving each plant enough room sets the stage for a lush, aromatic harvest.

Ready to learn more? Explore how to grow basil indoors year-round or dive deeper into our complete basil growing guide.