Trimming Basil Leaves Tips For Cutting Back Basil Plants

If the basil plant is growing vertically, pinch the leaves from the top to encourage lateral growth. Use the pinched leaves or dry them, so there's no waste. Basil grows quickly, so even if you don't want to use the leaves right away (gasp!), keep trimming back the plant when it gets large and bushy.

1. How do you trim basil without killing it?
2. How do you prune basil to make it bushy?
3. Will Basil regrow if cut back?
4. How do you keep basil from getting woody?
5. When should Basil be pruned?
6. What do I do if my basil is too tall?
7. Can you bring Basil back to life?
8. How do you dry basil leaves naturally?
9. How do you maintain Basil?
10. How do you keep store bought basil alive?
11. What is the lifespan of a basil plant?
12. How do I freeze fresh basil?
13. What can I do with leggy basil?
14. Why is my basil tall and spindly?

How do you trim basil without killing it?

Do not cut in a straight line.

Also, make sure that your cut is above the fifth basil leaf set. Don't cut right at the same height or level as these leaves. There has to be enough leaves left on the plant so it can continue to produce branches and leaves that you can then harvest later on.

How do you prune basil to make it bushy?

Pruning Basil Seedlings to Encourage Branching

Using fine trimming snips (or a careful pinch with your finger tips), snip off the top portion of the stem and couple top leaves. Do this just above a “node” – the place where two larger leaves are growing out of the stem.

Will Basil regrow if cut back?

The key is to trim or cut your basil early and keep at it throughout the season. This will force the plant to grow extra stems – one cut stem will be replaced by two new stems. And, in a few weeks you'll be able to trim those back and double your stems again.

How do you keep basil from getting woody?

Mulch around the plants with grass clippings, straw, compost or ground leaves to help retain moisture and retard weeds. Water the basil every seven to 10 days, depending upon rainfall. If the plants are in containers, they may need additional water.

When should Basil be pruned?

Prune regularly for the best flavor. About every four weeks, prune basil back to just above the bottom two sets of leaves.

What do I do if my basil is too tall?

It is customary to prune basil above a stem or leaf junction, but when basil becomes tall and the stem becomes woody, you have no real option. Cut your basil to the desired height, and I would expect the plant should sprout new growth, either along the stalk or from the root.

Can you bring Basil back to life?

Water your Basil plant thoroughly to help revive it. Place it in bright, indirect light rather than in full sun and water your plant every time the surface of the soil feels dry to touch. Once the plant has perked up and new foliage is growing, you can place your plant back in direct sunlight and resume normal care.

How do you dry basil leaves naturally?

Oven dry basil in these 3 easy steps:

Dry: Set your oven to the lowest temperature. Place the basil leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place it on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for 2-4 hours, until the leaves are crumbly. Crumble & store: Remove the basil from the oven and cool.

How do you maintain Basil?

Basil Plant Care Tips

1. Water regularly – basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. ...
2. Fertilize lightly –basil is a vigorous grower requiring very little to no fertilization. ...
3. Pinch back leaves – pinch leaves from the tips of your basil as soon as the plant has two sets of true leaves.

How do you keep store bought basil alive?

Like a box of instant cake mix, basil plants just need water. Keep the soil of your basil plants slightly moist at all times. Depending on how much sun your basil gets, you might need to water your basil plant every 1-2 days. But make sure that the pot has good drainage, because soggy soil can lead to rotting roots.

What is the lifespan of a basil plant?

Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost.

How do I freeze fresh basil?

Use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves. Add a drizzle of olive oil and pulse to lightly coat the leaves with oil; this will keep the basil from turning black in the freezer. Scoop the resulting mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Transfer the finished cubes to freezer bags and use as needed.

What can I do with leggy basil?

If your basil plants are leggy and blooming now, does that mean you've missed your chance at a tasty harvest? Not at all! Prune the plants back hard, so just one set of leaves remains above the major branch points. The plant will produce new growth, and the flavor of the leaves on the new branches will be perfect.

Why is my basil tall and spindly?

Basil plants turn leggy because of the use of excessive amounts of fertilizer, not enough sunlight and a lack of regular pruning. Basil requires full sun, fertile soil and pruning once every two weeks to maintain a bushy appearance with abundant leaves rather then a leggy basil with sparse leaves.