[oldcow]

I raised 5 plants of basil from seed. I started them in a jiffy7, then moved them to a 18cm pot. Four of the plants are thriving, and are now between 4 and 7 inches and very leafy, but I just found out that the roots are coming through the bottom of the pot.
Does it mean they need a bigger pot? Do you think they are too crowded (I know they require much more space if planted outdoors, but I'm not sure about the spacing when growing on a windowsill)? Are they too big now to be moved to their own pot? Or will they just be fine where they are?
As a first time vegetable grower, this was the only plant that I thought I got right on first try, now I think I was very wrong :-)

[Trillium]

Most young plants are moved up progressively into larger pots so you didn't do anything wrong. Sounds like your basils need much larger pots. When you pull them out of the old pot (with soil) and you find any going around and around, try to straighten them a bit before putting into the larger pot. If they resist, then leave them. Better to have them circling than broken. If they're to go outside eventually, wait until all frosts are past as they're very cold sensitive.

[oldcow]

Thank you!

[cooperman]

you dont seem to be doing too much wrong to me (I grow lots of basil, six different types!)

Dont forget to nip out the tips to promote bushyness.....

[oldcow]

At what height do I start nipping out the tips?

[Trillium]

No specific height, but when you see a tall thin leader shoot starting, nip off the tip of that.