(1)Basil needs warm soil to germinate.
(2)Light is not essential for seed germination, soil temperature is.
(3) 1/4 to 1/2 inch depth is way too much.???? I think.

1/2 inch is too deep. I use only just enough soil to cover the seeds and no more. Less than 1/4 inch.

FataMorgana

okay...but seysonn, you said they need heat to germinate, but i already said i used a grow mat. but ill sow the last of the seeds a little less deep. its weird because the packet said like 1/2 inch????

When you plant them just barely cover them. They should sprout.

1/4" seems to the suggested depth. I only cover with enough soil to completely cover the seed - less than 1/4". Packet was wrong on the 1/2". Mistakes happen.

FataMorgana

Here is a link that might be useful: Google results - basil planting depth

When you plant them just barely cover them. They should sprout.

i planted them very very close to surface( i can almost see them), and they still havent germinated!

How long has it been?

FataMorgana