Hydroponic crop
Basil, our most documented NFT crop.
Basil is our most documented NFT crop: a controlled growth cycle and indicative production per greenhouse size.
Growth cycle
Basil is a crop with short, repeated cycles, well suited to the NFT system: once the circuit is up to speed, production is spread across the year.
Production spread across the year
Indicative production per greenhouse size
The same data as on the greenhouse pages, shown here per crop. These figures are indicative and not guaranteed.
| Greenhouse | Plants | Indicative production | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 m² | 1,652 plants | 2,900 kg / year | See the 200 m² greenhouse |
| 500 m² | 4,130 plants | 7,250 kg / year | See the 500 m² greenhouse |
Commercial outlets
We support you in selling your production. The purchase conditions are detailed in each model's brochure.
Basil in pictures
From the nursery to the production rows under a hydroponic greenhouse.
Everything you need to know about growing basil in hydroponics
Basil is far more than an aromatic herb: it is a highly sought-after crop, perfectly suited to NFT hydroponics. Here is why it makes an excellent starting point.
A short cycle and continuous production
Basil grows fast. In the NFT system, once the circuit is up to speed, production is spread across the year rather than concentrated in a short season. This regularity is a major asset for supplying a market reliably.
Short cycles also mean frequent harvests, and therefore a steady rhythm of work and deliveries — a point often underestimated in a farming project.
Indicative production benchmarks
As an indication, a 200 m² greenhouse holds 1,652 plants and targets about 2,900 kg per year; a 500 m² greenhouse rises to 4,130 plants and about 7,250 kg.
These benchmarks are not guaranteed results: they depend notably on the land, the water and crop management. Detailed estimates are in each model's brochure.
A crop that forgives little, but is quickly learned
Like any hydroponic crop, basil demands rigour on the nutrient solution and the maintenance of the circuit. These tasks are acquired quickly in training, on real greenhouses, then consolidated with the agronomic follow-up.
Basil grown in NFT
Basil is La Ferme Urbaine's flagship crop: ideal in NFT hydroponics, it makes an excellent starting point. You start with a robust, highly sought-after plant that is easy to sell year-round.
Why basil first
Basil brings together everything a grower starting out in hydroponics is looking for: a short cycle, vigorous growth, and an excellent affinity with the NFT system. The plant quickly makes use of the water and nutrients supplied to it continuously.
It is also a highly prized herb, present on every table and in countless preparations. This popularity makes production easy to sell and reduces the commercial risk of your first harvests.
By choosing basil to begin with, you learn hydroponic management on a forgiving, regular crop before considering any diversification.
Cultivation under controlled conditions
Under greenhouse, you control the basil's environment throughout its cycle. The nutrient solution recirculates in contact with the roots, giving the plant a constant supply and avoiding sudden swings.
This stable environment translates into uniform plants, clean foliage, and a neat presentation. You grow without soil, and therefore without the constraints of weeding or soil-borne diseases.
Management remains accessible: that is precisely what makes basil an ideal learning crop within an NFT installation.
Consistent quality, harvest after harvest
Consistency is the great strength of greenhouse hydroponics. From one cutting to the next, you find basil that is uniform in appearance, cleanliness, and freshness.
This consistency reassures your buyers and builds loyalty with foodservice and distribution alike, which above all want a reliable, available product.
- Clean foliage, ready to sell
- Freshness preserved through local, continuous production
- Consistent appearance from one harvest to the next
- Clear traceability of closed-loop cultivation
Commercial outlets to plan for
La Ferme Urbaine supports you with commercial outlets for your basil, so you can focus on production. The purchase conditions are detailed in each model's brochure.
This commercial visibility is a valuable asset at launch. You know in advance the value of your harvest, which makes your project clearer and more reassuring.
You can therefore plan your harvests methodically, which leaves you all the energy you need to nurture quality and steady your volumes.
Solid market potential
Demand for fresh basil is real and recurring, driven by foodservice, grocers, and local supply chains. A product available year-round naturally finds its place against an often seasonal offer.
Backed by the 3-year agronomic follow-up and the training, basil provides a solid foundation to launch your operation. Depending on project eligibility, agricultural investment support schemes may be available; our team can assist with the preparation of the application.
Building on this solid base, you can then calmly consider scaling up your production, at the pace of your market and of the experience you have gained with basil.
Frequently asked questions
What is the yield of hydroponic basil?
As an indication, about 2,900 kg/year for a 200 m² greenhouse and 7,250 kg/year for 500 m², in an NFT system with good crop management. These figures are not guaranteed.
How is the basil sold?
We support you with commercial outlets for your production. The purchase conditions are set out in the brochure and in your quote.
Does basil grow all year round under a greenhouse?
Yes: under a greenhouse and in the NFT system, production is spread across the year, with short, regular cycles.
Why is basil suited to NFT hydroponics?
It's a leafy crop with short cycles and a light root system — an ideal profile for the nutrient film of the NFT system.
How many basil plants in a greenhouse?
About 1,652 plants in a 200 m² greenhouse and 4,130 plants in a 500 m² greenhouse.
Where can I find estimates for a basil greenhouse?
The detailed production, operating-cost and profitability estimates are in each model's brochure.
Do you need experience to grow basil in hydroponics?
No: our training on real greenhouses and the agronomic follow-up make you autonomous step by step.
What maintenance does growing basil require?
Essentially balancing the nutrient solution, pruning the plants and maintaining the NFT circuit — tasks learned in training.
Does hydroponic basil have the same quality as soil-grown?
Yes: the plant receives complete, balanced nutrition. Quality depends above all on crop management, which the follow-up aims to optimise.
How can I estimate basil production on my land?
Request a free quote: we review the possible production according to the greenhouse size and your land.
Review your basil production
Tell us the land size you have in mind — we will review the right model with you.