Basil, a fragrant herb beloved for its versatility in the kitchen, is a must-have for any home garden. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia, with over 60 varieties.1
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice gardener, growing your own thriving basil plants is easier than you might think.
With just a few key tips and a little TLC, you can enjoy abundant fresh basil leaves all season long. Here are tried and tested techniques for cultivating healthy, flourishing basil plants at home.
Why Regular Trimming is Key
Basil plants actually benefit from frequent harvesting. Whenever you pinch or cut off the top of a stem, the plant responds by sending out new growth at each pair of leaves below the cut, resulting in a fuller, bushier plant. If flower buds start to form, pinch those off, too – this keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing flavorful leaves instead of going to seed.
Timing is everything when it comes to trimming basil. It’s best to start early when the seedlings are about 6 to 8 inches tall and have 3 to 4 sets of leaves. At that point, pinch the main stem back to a strong set of side shoots, removing about one-third of the plant. This simple trimming doubles your basil harvest by turning single-stemmed plants into double-stemmed plants.
The Right Way to Harvest Basil
Here’s how to trim your basil for maximum yield:
- Once your basil plant is at least 6 inches tall, start pruning
- Using clean, sharp scissors or garden shears, cut the stems about 1/4 inch above a pair of leaves
- Pinch or cut the center stem just above a pair of side shoots
- Remove no more than a third of the plant at a time
- Continue to harvest every week or two as the plant regrows
It doesn’t matter if you’re growing basil in containers or garden beds or what variety you’re growing – all types benefit from regular clipping. Basil needs 6 to 8 hours of sun per day. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil is dry.
Preserving Your Basil Bounty
With regular pruning, a single basil plant can provide cup after cup of fragrant leaves. If you have more basil than you can use fresh, there are several easy ways to preserve it for later:
- Dry the leaves and store them in an airtight container
- Freeze whole or chopped leaves in ice cube trays with water or oil
- Make big batches of pesto to freeze
- Infuse olive oil or vinegar with basil for a flavorful condiment
To freeze fresh basil, separate the leaves between layers of parchment paper in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze. You can also wrap fresh leaves in a dry paper towel, place them inside a plastic bag, and refrigerate for 1-2 weeks. However, storing basil at room temperature is best, as cooler temperatures can damage the leaves and shorten shelf life.
Health Benefits of Basil
Not only does basil provide incredible flavor, but it also packs some impressive health benefits. Basil is rich in antioxidants and essential oils that may:
- Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
- Help regulate blood sugar
- Prevent heart disease
- Protect against infections
- Improve mental health
- Provide anticancer properties
Two tablespoons of fresh basil provide vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other key nutrients. Holy basil, in particular, has been used in traditional medicine for many ailments.
By implementing these harvesting tips and enjoying basil’s many culinary uses and health benefits, you’ll be able to savor the unbeatable taste of fresh basil in your cooking all summer long.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.