How to Grow Basil from Cuttings: A Complete Planting Guide for Beginners

One of the easiest ways to propagate basil is by taking cuttings from an existing plant and rooting them. Below we learn about rooting basil cuttings in soil, growing basil indoors, how to grow basil from cuttings in water, and step by step guide to growing basil plants from cuttings.

How to Grow Basil from Cuttings

Choose Your Basil Plant

The first step in growing basil from cuttings is to choose a healthy and mature plant. Look for a plant at least 6-8 inches tall with plenty of leaves. Ensure the plant looks healthy and doesn’t show any signs of disease or pests.

Gather Your Supplies

Sharp scissors or pruning shears
A clean, sharp knife
A container with clean water
A rooting hormone powder (optional)
Small pots filled with potting soil
A spray bottle filled with water

Take Your Cuttings

Using your scissors or pruning shears, select a stem from your basil plant that is at least 4-6 inches long and has several sets of leaves. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle to avoid crushing or damaging the stem. Remove any leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem, leaving a few leaves at the top.

Prepare Your Cuttings

Dip the bottom of your basil cutting in rooting hormone powder (optional), and then place the stem in a container filled with clean water. Ensure the bottom 2 inches of the stem are submerged, and the leaves do not touch the water.

Wait for Roots to Grow

Place your container with the basil cutting in a warm, sunny location without direct sunlight. Change the water every day or two, submerging the bottom of the stem. Within 7-14 days, you should start to see roots forming from the bottom of the stem.

Transplant Your Basil Cuttings

Once your basil cuttings have developed at least 1-2 inches long roots, they are ready to be transplanted into soil. Fill small pots with potting soil, and make a small hole in the center of each pot. Gently remove your basil cutting from the water, carefully not damaging the fragile roots. Place the cutting in the hole in the pot, and gently press the soil around the stem.

Care for Your Basil Cuttings

Watering: Basil plants prefer moist soil but not waterlogged soil. Water your basil cuttings regularly, but make sure the soil has a chance to dry out slightly between waterings.

Sunlight: Basil plants need plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. These plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re growing basil indoors, consider using grow lights to provide the necessary light.

Fertilizing: Basil plants benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once every two to three weeks to help your basil plants grow and produce more leaves.

Pruning: Regularly pruning your basil plants can help keep them healthy and encourage them to produce more leaves. Pinch off the tips of the stems when they reach about 6 inches long, which will help the plant grow bushier and produce more leaves. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves as well.

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Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your basil plants can help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Shredded leaves, sawdust, or even lawn cuttings can create a 2- to 4-inch thick covering of biodegradable compost.

Companion Planting: Basil plants can benefit from being planted alongside other companion plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. These plants make good companions for basil and attract beneficial insects that can help control pests.

Pests and Diseases: Pests and pathogens could wreak havoc on your plants. Aphids, whitefly, and spider mites are common parasites. In an outbreak, insecticidal detergent or neem oil should be applied to the plants. Good air circulation is important for preventing fungal diseases in your basil plants. Ensure your plants are not overcrowded and have enough space between them to allow air to circulate. You can also use a small fan to move air if you’re growing your basil indoors.

Prevent Bolting: Bolting is when a plant produces a flowering stalk instead of more leaves, which can affect the flavor and quality of the leaves. To prevent bolting, keep your basil plants in a location that stays cool and shaded during the hottest parts of the day, and keep them well-watered.

Winter Care: Basil plants are annual and will die off in the fall. However, you can extend their lifespan by taking cuttings and bringing them indoors to overwinter. Simply take cuttings from your basil plant in the fall, root them in water, and then transplant them into pots to keep indoors over the winter months. Place them in a sunny location and follow the same care instructions as you would for outdoor basil plants.

Harvesting: Harvest your basil regularly to encourage the plant to produce more leaves. Wait until the plant has at least six sets of leaves, then pinch off the top 2-3 sets of leaves, leaving the lower ones in place. This will encourage the plant to grow more leaves from the bottom of the stem.

Basil plants produce small, delicate flowers that are edible but can affect the plant’s growth if left unchecked. Harvest any flowers as soon as they appear to prevent the plant from putting all its energy into producing flowers instead of leaves. This will encourage the plant to continue producing more leaves instead of diverting its energy toward flowering.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, growing basil from cuttings is an easy and cost-effective way to propagate your own basil plants. You can have a thriving herb garden in no time with a few basic supplies and a little patience. Remember to choose a healthy plant, take clean cuttings, and provide your basil cuttings with the right growing conditions, and you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of fresh basil.

How to Grow Basil from Cuttings: A Complete Planting Guide for Beginners