Herb That Earned Top Prize – Perfect For Your Garden

Lots of us live in small homes with little outdoor space, so having an indoor garden can really help us out. We can grow fresh herbs on our kitchen windowsill or counter to use in our cooking. But when starting a kitchen herb garden, it’s important to pick the right plants. Some herbs like dill or lemon balm may be too big or prefer constant sunlight outside. Luckily, there are herbs and varieties that are perfect for indoor gardens, like the award-winning basil Treviso (Ocimum basilicum ‘Treviso’).

This basil variety won a 2026 All-America Selections award for edible veggies because it’s so tough, has a great growth habit, and tastes amazing. Its compact size makes it perfect for kitchen gardens, and its aroma and flavor stand out from other basil types. It also keeps its flavor and tenderness for a long time, and is slow to flower, so you can harvest it for months. Plus, it’s resistant to common issues like downy and powdery mildew, making it a great choice for beginners and experts alike.

You can grow herbs indoors year-round as long as you meet their light and temperature needs. To grow basil Treviso from seed, sow a pinch in a pot with potting mix. Seeds sometimes don’t germinate well, so it’s best to sow a couple extra. Keep the temperature at 65-70°F and the soil moist, and you should see the seeds sprout in about a week.

Once the seedlings get big, thin them out and pot up the strongest ones for your kitchen garden. Basil Treviso needs about 12 inches of space, so use a container that size. It needs at least 6-8 hours of sun per day, so a sunny windowsill is perfect. In winter, use grow lights to keep it healthy. Aim for 70-75°F and avoid drafts. With the right light and temp, you can grow it for a long season – it takes about 90 days from sowing to harvest. Just pinch off the top leaves to encourage more growth, and enjoy your fresh herbs!