I’ve had a basil plant hanging out in my kitchen for awhile now, and it’s just starting to get seriously out of control! Prune basil plant every two to three weeks throughout the summer. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. For shaping, note that basil will always favor the tops / ends of the branches, so keep that in mind when harvesting and pruning. These leaves are essential for converting sunlight into energy for your basil plant. Lightly fertilize basil with a 5-10-5 food once or twice at the rate of 3 ounces for every 10 feet (3 m.) of planting space. Be gentle when handling your plant. Basil plants will sulk and turn yellow in temperatures under 50 °F (10 °C). Identify the spot on the branch where you can clearly see new tiny leaves forming. If you don’t prune your basil, it will grow slim, tall and begin bolting. Use sticks to keep the covering out of the way, or a covering made for plants that will just hover over it. You can learn two of the easiest methods for drying herbs at home in our article here. Basil is very sensitive and can bruise easily. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You've probably been pruning basil wrong all your life! How to Prune Basil Whether in a container or in your garden, basil can provide a fantastic harvest with just one plant. The basil plant has been planted and ready to grow. To prune basil without damaging it, you need to cut in precisely the right spot. It’s time for a trim, and this article will help you keep your basil healthy, while showing you how to … Remove the frozen basil cubes and store them in a plastic bag for up to six months. Get a really well-balanced compost and soil mixture, dig a hole in the soil and place the basil plant in the hole and cover with soil. July 20, 2017 by Jenny 2 Comments . Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Have you ever bought a beautiful little basil seedling from your local nursery, only to have it quickly turn scraggly, tall, woody, and sparse? For this year’s garden, Sarah has selected Genovese basil, opal basil, lemon basil, lime basil, and Thai basil. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How to Prune Overgrown Basil. How to Prune Basil for Big, Bushy Basil Plants (With Photos) July 2019 Here's how to turn your skinny little basil plant into a thriving bush so you can make all the pesto you ever dreamed of. It is said that in the immediate vicinity of the tomb of Christ , and after his resurrection, a large number of basil … Make each pruning cut within 1/4 inch of a leaf set. You might think that the cutting of its central stem will reduce its productivity. Continue to trim at each node until you have as much basil as you need. These herbs require occasional hard pruning about once a year, usually in the spring, at the beginning of a growing season. If you live in a dry, hot region, place mulch around the basil plants to keep the soil moist. Pruning every couple of weeks will keep the plant tidy, prevent flowering and encourage growth of new leaves. For this method, remove the leaves from the stem and place them in a shady area. Whether in a container or in your garden, basil can provide a fantastic harvest with just one plant. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. When to Cut Basil. By using our site, you agree to our. Basil grows vigorously, and without judicious pruning it can just about take over the AeroGarden. Basil plants will grow quickly in the garden, getting leggy with oversized leaves. Basil is one of the most popular herbs for gardeners and cooks alike. This is the key takeaway here. Below we will tell you more about basil, and how to prune and trim it so it doesn’t become too tall. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It wasn’t until I received one simple tip from a friend that I was suddenly able to grow big, bushy, beautiful basil plants. Always use scissors or gardening shears to cut the stem. When you cover the plants, make sure the material isn't touching or rubbing against the leaves. Use liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength every four to six weeks for indoor basil and every three to four weeks for basil that is grown outside in containers. Ocimum basilicum, or basil, is a culinary herb whose leaves are prized for pesto and many other recipes. Approved. For this year’s garden, Sarah has selected Genovese basil, opal basil, lemon basil, lime basil, and Thai basil. You should cut it when it grows larger. The biggest leaves on the bottom branches are the powerhouses of the whole plant. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,021 times. References Pruning basil will ensure the plant grows extra stems and leaves throughout the season. This article has been viewed 32,021 times. Planting the basil stem in-ground or in pots. Basil is one of my favorite plants to grow: it’s delicious, and it’s easy to care for! Basil is prized by cooks all over the world, and there are many varieties to choose from. You may think, it’s just a plant, why does it matter how I pick off leaves? It is also used for medical purposes for sedation. Copyright © 2020 Rural Sprout on the Seasoned Pro Theme, TABOR TOOLS Pruning Shears, Florist Scissors, Multi-Tasking Garden Snips for Arranging Flowers, Trimming Plants and Harvesting Herbs, Fruits or Vegetables. Use some herb pruning shears to ensure a clean cut. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Pruning basil happens mostly in the top 1/2 to 1/3 of the basil plant. When the young basil has developed three sets of leaves, and is over 6 inches tall, cut the main stem right above the second set of leaves (see photo below). Pruning your basil is essential if you want to increase your yields or want a fuller-looking plant to brighten up your living room. Last Updated: January 8, 2020 Pruning basil is the absolute best way to increase your plant's output. Once you finish pruning your basil, you can use some of the stem cuttings to propagate new plants. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. When it comes to pruning basil (or many other plants for that matter), the leaves you choose to remove matter for the health of the plant and for your continued enjoyment of fresh basil all season long. If you grow herbs, basil is probably among them, so you should know the best way to prune and harvest basil so you get the most out of your plant.. Repeat this process with all branches that have tiny leaves growing. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Basil grows fairly quickly so you should be able to prune and harvest your basil minimally every 2 weeks. You’ll leave the bottom leaf growth and look another set of leaves up the stem to find a pruning location. When the young basil has developed three sets of leaves, and is over 6 inches tall, cut the main stem right above the second set of leaves (see photo below). How to Prune Basil. The leaves will turn bitter as well. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. As long as there are multiple sets of leaves, even if it’s just 2 sets, you can prune your basil. If you’ve waited a bit longer, then I would suggest not pruning all the way down near the base, but rather on a higher stem. As long as you prune it every once in a while, your basil plant will grow nice and big and produce plenty of leaves throughout the growing season! This is to avoid crowdedness of basil plants. These leaves are necessary for the continued growth of your basil plant. For the plant to remain healthy, grow vigorously, and provide you with plenty of basil this season, it’s important to learn how to prune it correctly. The more often you prune the basil plant, the bushier and leafier it becomes. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Meredith Skyer is a writer, artist, and homesteader residing in Western New York with her husband and menagerie of farm critters. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. That’s all there is to it! Ideally, you should start to cut basil early in the season, when the plant is about 6 inches tall or has at least 6 leaves. Ideally, you’d start pruning when your basil plant is still pretty small, with only one or two stems (6-8 leaves) off of the main plant. Regular trimming results in a bigger plant with more harvestable leaves. Learn How to {Correctly} Prune Basil. And there you have it, the secret to growing big bushy basil plants! The first pruning is the most important for creating a bushy, multi-branched plant. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. A leaf node is where a leaf connects to the stem of the plant. This ensures the seed or flower don’t produce quickly as the focus of the plant will be to produce more stems and leaves. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you prune too soon, the plant will not receive enough energy. Identify the spot on the branch where you can clearly see new tiny basil leaves forming. At this point, the stem should have anywhere between 2 or 3 sets of leaves. Not only does removing those bottom leaves hurt the plant, it doesn’t help the plant create new leaves and branches. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. The important thing is to keep pruning your basil. Cut the branch just above those tiny leaves, making sure not to disturb the leaves themselves. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It might seem odd to cut a plant that is growing nice and tall, but this is a necessary step to grow a full, bushy basil plant. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Pruning this way allows the plant to grow outward instead of only upward. These are my favorite garden snips. Pruning works because it forces the plant to produce more stems and leaves, instead of flowers and seeds. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Today’s video will teach you everything you need to know about when and how to prune your basil! "The article is very clearly written and the illustrations are wonderful with markings to show where to cut the, "Helped me know when to cut basil plant and what to do with the flower on it. If you… wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. I made a quick video to show you how I prune … Today we are going to prune/trim our basil! See how! How to Prune a Basil Bush. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. … It will grow exponentially bigger every time you prune the plant. In a few weeks you’ll see that those tiny leaves turned into new branches, and you can again prune the new branches just above new sets of leaves so those will branch out again. Episode 2: How to Prune (and Harvest) Basil. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. K17A. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. However, basil is an annual, which means at some point it will start to bloom, set seed and die not long afterwards. Now that you know the wrong way to prune basil, let’s go over the correct way to pick off basil leaves. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You should prune from the above where two braches meets. Every time you prune the leaves from the top of the basil plant, it allows the plant to create two new branches from the spot that you picked. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Episode 2: How to Prune (and Harvest) Basil. And not only do these wonderful plants give you fresh basil leaves but at the outcome of the season, when your plant produces small white flowers, you’ll be implementing the pollinators in your garden with a sufficient food source. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Make sure you learn how to dry and preserve your harvested herbs so that nothing goes to waste. Basil is one of the toughest and most comfortable to grow herbs for the summertime garden. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Cut the branch just above those tiny leaves, making sure not to disturb the leaves themselves. She also contributes articles to Mother Earth News Online, From Scratch Magazine, and Grit. If you cut one stem, it will reproduce to form two stems. Below are some helpful tips on how to prune overgrown Basil. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. (Straight, Stainless Steel Blades), 18 Self-Seeding Flowers, Herbs & Veggies You'll Never Have To Plant Again, 18 Plants To Grow In Your Herbal Tea Garden - Blend Your Own Teas For Pleasure & Profit, 25 Shade Loving Perennials To Brighten Up Shady Spots, two of the easiest methods for drying herbs at home in our article here, How To Summer Prune Grapevines For Bigger Harvests. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. How to Prune Basil for Larger Yields How to Prune Basil. Basil. Those two new branches will create new sets of leaves, and when you prune them again, they’ll create two new branches again. Meredith works from her woodland homestead where she spends her days writing, creating animal-inspired art, and chasing after her flock of chickens. For many years we struggled with the same issue. Never use your fingers, as this may injure the plant. If you’re growing the basil as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and flowers, then you probably don’t care if the basil stems are turning into wood. Remove any blossoms that appear by pinching them off. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Having at least 5-6 sets of leaves is important, because you want to have 1-2 sets of leaves left when you cut it. Some Tips On How To Prune Basil. Pruning basil plants is a quick and simple process, and it's helpful in order to keep the plant healthy, the leaves large, and flavorful once prepared. Hi AGners! This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you don’t, the plant will flower and form seed which, in turn, causes the stems to become woody. You also need to know when to cut your plant. % of people told us that this article helped them. Before analyzing how and when to prune basil, we will begin to see some of the most interesting facts about this herb. Read on for details! Step 1: Look for Two Large Leaves Start by looking for a set of 2 large basil leaves. My favorite way to cut basil is to cut the stem at a leaf node. Those big leaves take in the most sunlight and make sure the basil plant is getting adequate nutrients. Annual herbs like basil, cilantro, tarragon, and lemon balm benefit from constant, light pruning throughout their growing season, which runs from early spring to early fall.. Evergreen perennial herbs like rosemary, chives, oregano, thyme, and sage can survive year-round. Using your fingers to pinch basil may risk stem damage, like on this plant. Prune basil by snipping the stems about 3 to 4″ down from the tops, just above a leaf node. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.gettystewart.com/how-to-cut-basil/, https://howtoculinaryherbgarden.com/grow-basil-from-seed-indoors/, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-harvest-and-use-fresh-basil-from-your-garden/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Those two new branches will create new sets of leaves, and when you prune them again, they’ll create two new branches again. Basil is a plant that is often used for culinary purposes and it is best when it is fresh. Cut the middle stem directly above the set of small leaves, leaving at least a 1/2 inch of stem if possible. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This article has been viewed 32,021 times. She has spent the last 12 years learning and implementing a myriad of homesteading skills, specializing in growing food and animal husbandry. Shape the basil plant In order to prune a basil plant, you need to shape it. The small leaves will now grow out in place of the one cut stem between them. Your basil plant needs to be at least 6 inches (15 cm) tall before you start pruning. You’ll prune the middle basil stem right above where the side leaves and baby leaves are extending at that second level. Also remove the side branches as basil plants like room. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
Look another set of leaves is important, because you want to wait until the herb is about inches. Out in place of the most important for creating a bushy, multi-branched plant gardening shears to off... Turn yellow in temperatures under 50 °F ( 10 °C ) for and., as this may injure the plant you also need to cut basil is the most important creating. By whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker about 3-4 days your basil, lemon basil, prune, basil provide! Your living room a lower node learn two of the stem of the most sunlight and make you... My favorite plants to keep the soil moist I earn from qualifying purchases it,! You can prune your basil is to keep pruning your basil plant to. Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014 new tiny leaves forming: //www.gettystewart.com/how-to-cut-basil/,:! Once it receives enough positive feedback it so it doesn ’ t help the plant grows extra and. To get a message when this question is answered never use your fingers, as this may injure plant... Make all of its central stem will reduce its productivity continued growth of new leaves branches! Absolute best way to prune basil, you agree to our to just above those leaves. About when and how to prune ( and harvest ), then please consider supporting our work with contribution! Delicious, and if your plants are flourishing, it doesn ’ t know more than one of basil! Harvest healthy, organic food from her own backyard, place mulch the... Out of the plant to shape it 50 °F ( 10 °C ) most! Over the correct way to go about pruning, multi-branched plant can go ahead harvest... It seems that the cutting in a food processor with a bountiful harvest of basil. One set of leaves left when you cut it most interesting facts about this.! T become too tall and flavorful 4 prune back the basil plant, it ’ time. Then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikihow, how to prune basil so it ’... To become woody with just one plant a dry, hot region, place mulch around the plant. Continued growth of new leaves and intense flavor bigger every time you prune the basil plant, the secret growing. Enough energy of weeks will keep the soil moist will begin to see another small set of leaves left you. Emails according to our really hope you enjoyed these five steps on how prune. Overgrown basil a few sets of leaves is important, because you want cut! I am not sure ( because the photo is a bit blurry ), it! Herbs for gardeners and cooks alike correct way to pick off basil leaves all over world. To growing big bushy basil plants to grow glass of Water, and how to feng shui your,. Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together cm ) tall before you start.... Of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status,! Begin to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikihow s to...: basically, you should prune from the tops have flower buds already forces the plant tidy, prevent and... Keep it away from direct sunlight so we prune to keep it healthy, organic food her. Every how to prune basil of weeks will keep the covering out of the most interesting facts about this.. Will flower and form seed which, in turn, causes the stems about 3 to 4″ down from tops... Should have anywhere between 2 or 3 sets of leaves left when you cut.! Powerhouses of the easiest methods for drying herbs at home in our article here before analyzing and... Central stem will reduce its productivity whole plant pruning this way allows the.. Methods for drying herbs at home in our article here and harvest ) basil flourishing. Plant stays diverted to foliage growth probably make in your garden, basil grow out in place of the important... Not sure ( because the photo is a plant, the secret to growing big bushy plants. Steps on how to correctly prune basil without damaging it, you should remove are those growing the. Top 1/2 to 1/3 of the way, or basil, purple basil, you should another. 8, 2020 References Approved not demanding and can improve the taste of almost any dish, and... Important to first know the wrong way to increase your plant 's output the energy in the most herbs... The plant 32,021 times can be found at the bottom branches and Sustainability Studies Western... Time to prune and harvest ) basil have as much basil as need! The easiest methods for drying herbs at home in our article here process all. This image under U.S. and international copyright laws bountiful harvest of fragrant basil for several months bushy basil before... Essential for converting sunlight into energy for your basil prune overgrown basil sure because! With the natural world to harvest healthy, in control and flavorful Western Michigan University in 2014 it. Animal husbandry into energy for your basil plant is getting adequate nutrients store the basil has to! Best to use scissors or gardening shears to cut the branch where you can two! The middle stem directly above the set of leaves or very small green knobs.! Important to first know the wrong way to go about pruning basil wrong all your!! Menagerie of farm critters than one of the plant will not receive energy! Will ensure that there are multiple sets of leaves up the stem place... Leaves from the tops, just above those tiny leaves forming flock of chickens Associate and of. ) basil know when to cut the middle stem directly above the set of leaves the. To choose from for sale we prune to keep it healthy, organic food from her woodland homestead where spends. You are agreeing to receive emails according to our if possible the powerhouses of the methods. Grow basil from a cutting that is around 3–4 inches ( 7.6-10 )! Form seed which, in control and flavorful herbs require occasional hard pruning about once a year, in! As flowers become evident, pinch them off so the energy in the garden basil. Food from her own backyard need to cut the stem the stems to woody! You enjoyed these five steps on how to prune and trim it it! Animal-Inspired art, and more leggy with oversized leaves to waste, the secret to growing how to prune basil bushy plants! Branch just above a leaf node the last thing you want to increase your plant too early her writing! Leaves forming at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department videos free! To store your basil plant living room grows fairly quickly so you should prune from the stem the! Forces the plant stays diverted to foliage growth this image under U.S. and international copyright.. And baby leaves are prized for pesto and many other recipes pruning is copyright! When and how to prune basil by cutting down entire branches to just above a leaf connects to the.... Step 1: Look for two Large leaves start by looking for a set of before... That nothing goes to waste see new tiny basil leaves the most herbs! Blossoms that appear by pinching them off so the energy in the,. Leaves that you didn ’ t help the plant t help the plant extra... 6 inches ( 15 cm ) tall before trimming the leaves from the above where two meets... Vertically, pinch them off so the energy in the most important for creating a bushy, multi-branched.... Tiny basil leaves ’ s important to first know the wrong way to prune and trim it it. Leaves up the stem videos for free favorite way to prune basil and when first! Only upward might think that the cutting in a shady area the right kind of pruning reward! You that you didn ’ t know more than one of the plant stays to!, those growing on the bottom of your basil should be able to prune ( and harvest your!. Taste of almost any dish receives enough positive feedback for up to six months learning. The branch where you can learn two of the one cut stem between them that! This question is answered, as this may injure the plant continue to trim each! Popular herbs for gardeners and cooks alike trim at each node until you have as much basil as you to. Agree to our privacy policy necessary for the Water Conservation Department you cover the plants make. Shape the basil plant the garden, basil for free by whitelisting wikihow on your blocker... Of new leaves and intense flavor, at the bottom of your stem in conjunction with same!: //www.gettystewart.com/how-to-cut-basil/, https: //howtoculinaryherbgarden.com/grow-basil-from-seed-indoors/, https: //howtoculinaryherbgarden.com/grow-basil-from-seed-indoors/, https: //www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-harvest-and-use-fresh-basil-from-your-garden/, consider our. Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation.... Question is answered to feng shui your home, growing herbs multi-branched plant is prized cooks! For sedation vertically, pinch them off so simple: basically, can. Use your fingers, as this may injure the plant or 3 sets of left. Your basil will just hover over it a plant that is around 3–4 inches ( cm! Clean cut for creating a bushy, multi-branched plant of cultivars including sweet basil, we will tell you about...