How to Clip Basil: Techniques for Optimal Harvesting

How to Clip Basil?

To clip basil, start by planting basil cuttings in pots or trays filled with soil.

Cut off the top of a basil twig below a pair of leaves and remove the bottom leaves.

Make a small hole in the soil and plant the cuttings, then water with a sprinkler.

Basil cuttings need warmth and moisture to set roots quickly, so placing them in a warm and slightly humid environment, such as a polytunnel, can help.

Trimming basil plants every two weeks, starting when the seedlings are about six to eight inches tall, is important for producing big, bushy plants and maximizing production.

Trim the central stems back to a lower set of leaves to stimulate growth and double the basil produced on that stem.

It’s also crucial to remove flowers to prevent the plant from slowing down its vegetative growth.

Trimming basil plants can be done using fingers, hand pruners, or herb snips.

Drying or freezing basil can be done to preserve it for later use.

Key Points:

  • Plant basil cuttings in pots or trays filled with soil
  • Cut off the top of a basil twig below a pair of leaves and remove bottom leaves
  • Plant cuttings in small holes in soil and water with a sprinkler
  • Place cuttings in warm and slightly humid environment for quick root development
  • Trim basil plants every two weeks for bushier plants and increased production
  • Trim central stems back to lower set of leaves to promote growth and increase basil yield


Did You Know?

1. Basil is a member of the mint family, which also includes rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
2. The name “basil” comes from the Greek word “basileus,” meaning “king” or “royal,” reflecting the herb’s strong association with royalty.
3. Basil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, believed to have healing properties for digestive disorders, skin conditions, and even respiratory issues.
4. In ancient times, basil was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits, so it was often planted near doors or windows.
5. There are over 60 different varieties of basil, each with its own distinct flavor profile, ranging from sweet and mild to spicy and peppery.

Steps For Planting Basil Cuttings

Planting basil cuttings is a simple and effective way to propagate this aromatic herb. To get started, gather your materials, including pots, trays, soil, and a small sprinkler for watering.

  • Fill the pots and trays with well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging.
  • Take a basil twig and cut off the top portion just below a pair of leaves. This stimulates new root growth.
  • Remove the bottom leaves to prevent rotting and reduce the risk of fungal or bacterial infections.
  • Make a small hole in the soil and gently plant the basil cuttings, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  • Pat the soil around the cuttings for support and stability.

“To promote root development, water the cuttings using a small sprinkler. Ensure the soil is moist but not overly saturated.”

  • Place your basil cuttings in an environment that provides warmth and moisture, as these conditions help the roots establish quickly.
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Fill pots and trays with well-drained soil
Cut basil twigs below a pair of leaves for new root growth
Remove bottom leaves to prevent rotting and infections
Gently plant basil cuttings, ensuring full submersion
Pat soil for support and stability around cuttings
Water cuttings with a small sprinkler for root development
Provide warmth and moisture for quick root establishment.

Propagating Basil From Cuttings

Propagating basil from cuttings is an efficient method that yields faster results compared to growing basil from seeds. By using cuttings, you can ensure that the new plants inherit the qualities of the parent plant, such as specific flavors or aromas.

The author of this article suggests using a 35-cell plugboard to plant summer cuttings. This tray is then placed in a plastic crate with a lid in a polytunnel – a type of greenhouse structure. The lid is left slightly open during the day to allow for air circulation but closed at night to retain heat and moisture.

Depending on the season and the growth rate of the cuttings, the plants may either remain in the plug tray or be transferred to larger pots. If the fall is warm and long, the author recommends putting the basil in individual pots to provide more space for root growth. However, if the weather turns cold quickly, the leaves can be cut and preserved by freezing them straight away.

It’s worth noting that basil grows well as a pot plant indoors, so it’s not an issue to have multiple plants for continuous harvest.

Trimming Basil For Optimal Growth

Trimming basil plants is an essential practice to maintain their health, productivity, and appearance. Regular trimming ensures that the plants grow into big, bushy specimens, maximizing the overall production of fragrant leaves.

The three primary reasons for pruning basil are to harvest the leaves, stimulate new growth, and prevent flowering. When basil seedlings are approximately six to eight inches tall, with three to four sets of leaves, it’s ideal to start trimming them.

By pinching the main stem back to a strong set of side shoots or leaves, the basil harvest can be doubled. This technique forces those leaves to grow and allows for a continuous supply of fresh basil from each stem.

Removing flowers is crucial because basil plants that are allowed to flower divert their energy towards seed production, slowing down vegetative growth. By removing the flowerbuds, you encourage the plant to focus on leaf production instead.

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Trimming should be conducted every two weeks or so during the summer to maintain vigorous growth and an abundant supply of basil leaves. When trimming basil seedlings, it’s preferable to remove top sections of stems rather than individual leaves, as this encourages branching and fuller growth.

If store-bought basil transplants are already tall and gangly, they can still be trimmed back by about one-third, above a set of side shoots, to thicken the plants’ overall density.

Removing Flowers On Basil Plants

Flowering on basil plants must be addressed promptly to ensure optimal growth and prolonged leaf production. When the basil plants begin to form flowerbuds, it’s recommended to pinch them off. This simple practice prevents the plant from using unnecessary energy and resources for seed production.

Different basil varieties may exhibit unique flowering habits. For example, Greek basil plants have tight, tidy balls of leaves with flowerbuds forming at the tips of each shoot. To keep these plants focused on leaf production, it’s advised to use mini herb snips or garden shears to remove the flowerbuds.

Trimmed flowerbuds are not wasted – they can be utilized in cooking, either in traditional basil-based recipes like pesto or as a flavorful topping for salads, pasta, dressings, and even pizza. The delicate, intense flavor of freshly harvested basil flowerbuds adds a delightful touch to any dish.

Harvesting And Preserving Basil

The first harvest of basil usually occurs about a month after planting, once the plants have developed small shoots. To harvest basil, you can use your fingers, hand pruners, or herb snips.

When trimming basil plants, pay attention to the central stems. It is recommended to cut them back to a lower set of leaves where two tiny leaf buds emerge. This practice stimulates growth and encourages branching, which results in a fuller, more productive plant.

To preserve the harvested basil, there are various methods to consider. Drying basil can be done using a dehydrator or by hanging small bundles of stems in a warm room away from direct sunlight. After a week or two, the dried basil can be crumbled into jars for later use.

Another preservation method is freezing basil. Simply gather the shoots, remove the leaves, and add them to a food processor for a quick blitz. The resulting mixture can then be stored in freezer bags, either flattened or in ice cube trays, making it convenient to add frozen basil to your culinary creations throughout the year.

Making Pesto With Basil

Pesto is a classic and versatile sauce that highlights the aromatic flavors of basil. It can be made using a variety of ingredients, including pine nuts (or alternatives such as walnuts or almonds), parmesan cheese, garlic, and, of course, freshly harvested basil leaves.

To create a traditional pesto, combine these ingredients in a food processor or blender, processing until smooth and well blended. The resulting sauce can be used as a spread, mixed into pasta, drizzled over grilled vegetables, or even used as a flavorful pizza topping.

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Basil pesto can also be adapted to suit personal preferences and dietary needs. Experiment with different ratios of ingredients, add other herbs or spices, or substitute ingredients to create unique pesto variations tailored to your taste.

Tip: For optimal basil growth, learn how to properly clip basil, propagate it from cuttings, trim it for optimal growth, remove flowers to encourage leaf production, and harvest and preserve it effectively.

  • Use a food processor or blender to process the ingredients until smooth.
  • Enjoy pesto as a spread, pasta sauce, or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
  • Customize your pesto by experimenting with ingredient ratios, herbs, or spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does basil grow back after you cut it?

Yes, basil is known to grow back after being cut. In fact, regular pruning can help promote its growth. This is evident in my own hydroponically-grown purple basil plants that have thrived for over three years. Through frequent and careful pruning, I have been able to maintain their size and shape while encouraging continuous regrowth.

Can you start a basil plant from a clipping?

Yes, it is indeed possible to start a basil plant from a clipping. One effective method involves taking basil cuttings and placing them in water, where they will quickly develop roots. Once the roots are established, the cuttings can be transplanted into soil. However, an alternative approach is to directly plant the cuttings into the ground, which I find to be a simpler technique. By skipping the water rooting step, the cuttings can be planted directly into the soil, allowing for immediate growth and development into a new basil plant.

Why not cut basil leaves?

Cutting basil leaves is not advised as it can lead to unwanted results. While tearing basil leaves may seem like a simple alternative, it is actually a vital step to maintain the freshness and appearance of the herb. When basil leaves are torn, the cell walls remain intact, preserving the flavors and aromas within. On the other hand, slicing basil leaves releases enzymes that accelerate the oxidation process, causing the leaves to darken and lose their appeal more rapidly. By tearing basil leaves instead of cutting them, one can ensure a longer-lasting and more vibrant addition to their culinary creations.

Why is my basil so tall?

Basil may become tall if not trimmed regularly. Without aggressive trimming, it will continue to grow upward and become top-heavy. To maintain a sturdy plant, it is recommended to trim the basil approximately 3-4″ above the soil. However, it is important to leave a few sturdy leaves on the plant while trimming.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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