How to Grow Basil From Cuttings: A Thriving Guide
How to Grow Basil From Cuttings?
To grow basil from cuttings, start by taking a four to six-inch stem cutting just below a leaf node.
Remove any leaves on the bottom third of the stem.
There are two methods to root the cuttings: in water or in potting mix.
For rooting in water, place the cuttings in glasses or jars filled with filtered or spring water, ensuring no leaves are submerged.
Change the water every day or two and roots should start appearing in about 10 to 14 days.
Once the roots are an inch or two long, pot them up into containers filled with pre-moistened potting mix.
The other method is to root the cuttings directly in potting mix.
Fill four-inch diameter pots with moistened potting mix, insert the basil stems into the soil, and firm the mix around the stem.
Place the pots in an environment with indirect light and high humidity, using a plastic bag or dome to create the desired humidity.
Mist the plants daily with water and water the potting mix when it feels dry.
After two weeks, when the cuttings start producing new growth or feel anchored, the roots have formed.
Avoid using rooting hormone on edible plants like basil.
Key Points:
- Take a 4 to 6-inch stem cutting just below a leaf node.
- Remove leaves on the bottom third of the stem.
- Root the cuttings in either water or potting mix.
- For water rooting, place cuttings in glasses or jars filled with filtered/spring water, changing the water every day or two.
- Once roots are an inch or two long, pot them up into containers with pre-moistened potting mix.
- Alternatively, root cuttings directly in potting mix in four-inch diameter pots, providing indirect light and high humidity, misting daily and watering when mix feels dry.
Did You Know?
1. Basil is considered to be a “magical” herb in many cultures, believed to have protective and healing properties when grown and used correctly.
2. Basil is actually a member of the mint family, also known as Lamiaceae, making it closely related to other herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.
3. There are over 60 different varieties of basil, each with its own distinct aroma and flavor profile, ranging from the traditional sweet basil to spicy Thai basil.
4. While basil is often associated with Italian cuisine, it has been used as a culinary herb in India for over 5,000 years, where it is considered sacred and is often associated with love and fertility.
5. Basil leaves have a high concentration of essential oils, and rubbing fresh basil leaves on your skin can act as a natural insect repellent, especially against mosquitoes.
Sourcing Basil Cuttings
Basil is a widely popular herb that can be easily grown from cuttings. Whether you prefer to purchase basil plants from grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or garden centers, or even source them from your own garden or a friend’s garden, there are plenty of options available. Grocery stores and farmers’ markets often have multiple basil plants crammed together in a single pot, providing ample stem material for taking cuttings. Alternatively, you can also purchase basil seedlings or cuttings from farmer’s market stalls. The author suggests taking cuttings from basil plants in mid-summer to grow for a late summer and autumn crop.
Pruning And Preparing Basil Cuttings
When propagating basil from cuttings, the key to success lies in proper pruning and preparation. To begin, prune the basil plant once it becomes tall and leggy, leaving at least one leaf node on the stem to allow the mother plant to keep producing leaves. Use clean herb snips or scissors to cut a four to six-inch long stem just below a leaf node for the cutting. It is important to remove any leaves on the bottom third of the stem to ensure the cutting receives sufficient energy and resources for root development.
Water Method For Rooting Basil Cuttings
The water method of rooting basil cuttings is a popular and effective technique. To begin, fill small glasses or jars with filtered or spring water. Place the basil cuttings in the water, making sure that no leaves are submerged. It is recommended to place about five cuttings in each container before the leaves become too crowded. Mason jars are also a suitable option for soaking the cuttings. Once the cuttings are placed in water, they should be set in a sunny location, such as a windowsill or under artificial light. The water should be changed about once a week, and the leaves should be shuffled every few days to ensure they receive enough light. After about one week of soaking, roots will start to emerge from the leaf node tissue and the cut at the bottom of the stem. After two weeks, more roots will have formed, including smaller and more intricate root hairs. After three weeks, the roots continue to grow and become more intricate. Finally, after four weeks, the cuttings have developed intricate root systems and are ready to be transplanted.
Potting Mix Method For Rooting Basil Cuttings
Another effective method for rooting basil cuttings is by using potting mix. To successfully employ this technique, gather the following supplies:
- Four-inch diameter pots
- Potting mix
- Plastic baggies or domes
To begin the process, fill the pots with moistened potting mix. Carefully insert the basil stems into the soil, ensuring that there is good contact between the stem and the soil by firmly pressing the potting mix around the stem.
Next, find a suitable location for the pots with the planted cuttings. It is best to choose an area with indirect light. Remember to keep the potting mix consistently moist. Providing high humidity is critical for encouraging root development in the cuttings. To achieve this, you can cover the pots with a clear plastic bag or a plastic plant dome.
To maintain the desired humidity, mist the plants daily using a spray bottle filled with water. Additionally, it is important to regularly monitor the moisture level of the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, water the cuttings accordingly.
You should start noticing the formation of roots after approximately two weeks. This will be indicated by new growth or a sense of anchoring.
Summary:
- Gather necessary supplies including pots, potting mix, and plastic bags or domes.
- Fill pots with moistened potting mix.
- Insert basil stems into the soil, ensuring good contact.
- Place pots in an area with indirect light.
- Keep the potting mix moist and create high humidity using plastic bags or domes.
- Mist the plants daily with water.
- Monitor soil moisture and water as needed.
- Roots should begin to form after about two weeks.
Creating The Ideal Growing Conditions For Rooted Basil Cuttings
Once the basil cuttings have rooted and are ready to be transplanted, it is important to create the ideal growing conditions for their continued growth and development.
Start by selecting a medium-sized pot with a drainage hole, approximately 5 or 6 inches in diameter. Fill the pot about halfway with a potting mix of your choice.
Gently tease the rooted basil cutting and place it in the pot, ensuring that the root system is covered with soil.
Water the plant thoroughly after transplanting and ensure that it receives adequate sunlight. Basil loves heat, so it is crucial to provide it with a sunny location such as a windowsill or under artificial light.
Avoid exposing the basil plant to frost, so only plant it outside after the risk of frost has passed in late spring.
Other Herbs That Can Be Grown From Cuttings
While basil is one of the most popular herbs to propagate from cuttings, there are several other herbs that can also be grown using this method. Mint, lemon balm, oregano, marjoram, and bee balm are just a few examples. These herbs share the same basic requirements for propagation as basil, making them excellent options for gardeners looking to expand their herb gardens. By taking cuttings from these herbs and following similar steps as those for basil, you can easily propagate and grow a variety of herbs to enhance your culinary creations. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing herbs from cuttings provides a fast, easy, and cost-effective way to maximize your homegrown herb production.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you grow basil in water?
Basil can be easily grown in water indoors through a process called water propagation. Start by selecting a healthy basil plant and cutting its stems to 3 to 4 inches in length, ensuring to remove any leaves below the waterline. Fill a clean glass with water and place the basil stems into the water, making sure that the cut ends are submerged. Keep the glass in a well-lit area, and within a few weeks, the basil stems will develop roots. Remember to change the water every few days to prevent the growth of bacteria. Once the roots have grown to a sufficient length, you can transfer the basil plants to soil or continue growing them in water for a thriving indoor herb garden.
Does basil need full sun?
Yes, basil requires full sun to grow successfully. Being a tropical herb, it needs ample sunlight and warmth to thrive. It is ideal to place basil in a location that receives six to eight hours of sun daily, with the exception of areas in the South and Southwest where providing afternoon shade is essential. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that basil is planted in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients.
How to grow basil at home?
To grow basil at home, start by moistening potting mix and packing it firmly into small pots. Sprinkle a few basil seeds onto the soil surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Press gently to ensure the soil is firm. Water the seeds gently using a mister or by pouring water onto the soil. Continue to water regularly and ensure the plants receive sufficient sunlight for optimal growth. With proper care and maintenance, your homegrown basil will thrive and provide you with a fresh and flavorful herb to enhance your culinary creations.
What makes basil grow faster?
To make basil grow faster, it is crucial to provide the plant with optimal sunlight. Basil plants thrive when exposed to a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of full sun. While it is possible to grow basil indoors, it will never reach its full potential or produce as many leaves as it would when exposed to the natural sunlight. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize seeking out the sun for the basil plants to promote their growth and maximize their yield.