I grew seedlings under lights and planted out w/ my toms. Many people grow direct from seed in the garden. Last year my wife planted a container full of seeds. It had at least 30 or 40 that never got more than a couple inches tall. The one I planted seperate grew about 4ft tall. I grew about 18 from seed that were 5'' to 12'' when I planted them out. I expect ea of them to be 3-4ft tall.

Seperate, as if they are bunched they compete and will all be stunted.

Thanks. I bought two plants of basil (lime and Thai) with probably 30+ clumped together in a 3"pot. I will thin majorly.

How do you grow your basil

Direct sowing about the time I plant the corn and beans. I never start it indoors.

FataMorgana

You can start the seeds closely. Once they grow true leaves you can separate them and transplant them anywher, anyway you want. In one cell of 12 pack nursery tray I had abot 6-8 seedlings.Now they are transplanted into pots and in the garden and growing. The trick is that you water them (almost soak them in water)before separating/transplanting.
Water thoroughly again after planting. Flood them gently, to pack the soil around the roots/to get the air out.
Also, do it later in the day.So by the next morning sunshine they will have time to adjust. Of course, the seedling must have been exposed/hardened to outdoor/full sun for a few days befor transplanting.

I plant the young basil, started from seed in my greenhouse, in the garden around May 1st. They're spaced about 18" apart.

I have found that basil is VERY tolerant of being transplanted, especially if you transplant on a cool and/or cloudy day plus make a point of giving it extra water, just with a watering can, for a few days.