Cut the stem between a third and halfway down, just above a leaf pair using sharp scissors or secateurs to make a good clean cut. Continue until you have enough basil, or until you have cut the top section off every stem, if you are harvesting basil for leaves.
If you want to harvest the leaves for use as a garnish, remove the stems and cut them in half lengthwise. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a cool, dark place for at least a week. The leaves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Table of Contents
What happens if you don’t trim basil?
If you don’t trim basil aggressively, it will grow straight up and become too tall. A nice sturdy plant can be created by making your first trim 3-4” above the soil. If you end up with a plant that looks like it is growing out of the ground, you want to make sure you leave a few good sturdy leaves on the plant.
Once you’ve trimmed the basil, place it in a large pot and cover it with water. Let it sit for a couple of days to allow the leaves to dry out a bit. Once they have dried out, you can remove the stems and leaves.
You can also use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom leaves, but I find it easier to just leave them as they are. If you’re going to trim the entire plant at once, make sure to do it carefully, as it can be very painful if you cut too close to the roots.
Should basil plants be cut back?
Prune regularly for the best flavor. About every four weeks, prune basil back to just above the bottom two sets of leaves. If the plant is allowed to flower, it will produce new leaves, but they will not be as large as the previous year’s crop.
If you are growing basil in containers, you will need to remove the leaves from the top of the container and place them in a plastic bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for a few days to allow the basil to thaw. Then, place the bags in your refrigerator and allow them to sit for at least a week before using.
When should basil be cut back?
You don’t need to prune basil plants when they are still small; wait until the herb is about 6 inches (15 cm.) tall before trimming basil leaves. The bushier and leafier the basil plant becomes, the more often you prune it.
Should I pick basil from the top or bottom?
If you harvest the bottom leaves, the plant won’t be able to produce as many leaves as it would if you harvest the entire plant.
If you’re growing basil in a greenhouse, you’ll want to keep the temperature in the greenhouse between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 and 25 degrees Celsius). This will help the basil grow more quickly and produce more leaves.
You can also use a thermometer to monitor the temperatures in your greenhouse.
Where do you pinch off basil?
Basil plants grow a single stem. Once they are reach 6-8 inches tall, pinch the central stem back by half and about ¼ inch above the leaf axils. This will force the plants to grow more leaves. As the plants keep sending out new branching stems, continue to pinch them back in the same way until they reach 10 inches in height.
Once the plant reaches 10-12 inches, you can cut off the top of the stem and let it dry out for a few days. Then, cut it off at the base and allow it to dry for another couple of days before transplanting it into a new pot.
You can also cut the stems off and transplant them into the pot, but this is not recommended as it can cause the roots to rot. If you do this, make sure that the root ball is completely dry before you transplant it back into your garden.
How do you pinch basil to make it bushy?
To encourage more growth, make sure you trim the basil plant regularly. If you are growing basil in a container, you will need to cut the plant back a little bit to allow the new growth to take place.
You can do this with a sharp knife, or you can use a pair of scissors. If you use scissors, make sure they are long enough to reach all the way to the bottom of the container.
Why is my basil tall and spindly?
It requires a temperate environment and moist, well-draining organic soil. Basil plant thrives under full sunlight and prefers frequent watering. I recommend cutting off a few vines every two weeks to maintain a bushy appearance and discourage the growth of leggy stems.
How long can you keep a basil plant alive indoors?
Indoors, any healthy basil plant can get you around two months of fresh basil, but if you live in a cold climate, you may need to wait a bit longer. The best way to store basil is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three months.
If you don’t have a container big enough to hold the whole plant, then you can store it in your pantry. You can also freeze the basil in ice cube trays, which will keep it fresh for a few weeks.
