How To Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing

1. Identify the Right Growth Stage

This is an important thing to consider while harvesting basil leaves. You need to make sure the basil plant has reached its proper growth stage for harvesting the leaves. Many people make use of a tape measure to track the growth of the basil.

It has been advised to start harvesting the basil plant when it reaches about 6 inches in stature with at least 6-8 leaves on its stems. This stage has been generalized as a harvest-initiate period for the basil plant.

2. Pick Basil Leaves From the Top

Yes, it has been suggested to pick the basil leaves from the top portion of the basil plant. Harvesting the basil from the top will ensure bushier growth in the long run, making it more vibrant.

However, if you mistakenly prune the bottom portion of the basil, you are more likely to get a thin and lanky plant. Also, keep in mind to wait for more basil leaves to grow from the pruning point before you decide to pick again.

3. Pinch Off Basil Leaves

The right method to pick the basil leaves is by gently pinching off each of the leaves at their base, where they meet the stem. Make sure you pull away the entire leaf from the stem avoiding any possible damage to the plant.

It has been appealed to you that be as gentle as possible while pinching and pulling away the leaf from the stem, you wouldn't want to tear the leaf or harm the stem they are attached to. If using your hand is difficult for you, you can make use of a small pair of scissors as well.

1. Start From the Top

Whether you are harvesting leaves or stems of the basil plant, you are suggested to work from the top. Make sure you begin trimming the plant from the top and gradually move downward.

Working from the top will allow the basil plant to grow more denser, bushier, and healthier. This approach to harvesting is best for basil plants to make them flourish for many seasons.

2. Cut Stems Right Above the Leaf Node

To harvest the stem of the basil plant, you need to cut the stems just above the leaf node. If you're wondering about a leaf node, you should know the leaf node is in fact, a small swelling on the stem from which one or more leaves emerge.

You can make use of the scissors to create a more clean cut of the stems. It has been suggested to cut the stem to about 0.25 inches above the leaf node. This will allow the plant to divide into two halves since from the leaf node side shoots of the plant emerge.

3. Harvest Basil Before Flowering

You should know that preventing the basil plants from giving flowers will help them to grow more. So, you need to harvest the plants before they flower. Further, once the basil plant bears flowers, it will cease to produce any more leaves.

If you periodically harvest the leaves and stems of the plant, the plant takes this as a signal to produce more foliage as a replacement for the lost ones. Further, if you cut the flowers instead, you encourage the plant for more flower growth. Therefore, you should be careful while harvesting basil plants.

1. Keep the Stems in Water

This is one of the easiest and best ways to store fresh basil for the long run. You need to initially clean the stem and remove the leaves from the base and then place the stem in a glass jar containing about 1-2 inches of water from the bottom.

It has been found that the basil stems can remain fresh for about a week if kept in the water at room temperature, avoiding direct sunlight. Freshly harvested stems with leaves can be treated just like you do with freshly cut flowers.

2. Freeze the Basil Leaves

Another method to store the basil leaves is by freezing the chopped leaves. You can use the ice cube trays to keep the leaves and gently pour oil like olive or canola just enough to submerge the leaves on it. Keep in mind not to overflow the oil.

Place these ice cube trays in the freezer and use the basil cube whenever it is required in the cooking. This way you can enjoy the flavor of basil leaves tentatively for about a year.

3. Dry the Basil Leaves

Microwave

You can make use of the microwave to dry the basil leaves. Make sure you clean the basil leaves properly before placing them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate between two sheets of paper towels.

Initially, microwave the basil for about 30 seconds and gradually increase heating the leaves in 30 seconds until the leaves are dry and crumbly upon touch. After drying the leaves, carefully store them in an airtight container. This way you can use basil leaves for about a year.

Dehydrator

A dehydrator is another method to dry the basil leaves and stems. You can simply place the basil on the rack of the dehydrator that has been set to 95-110 °F. Once this is done, you can run the dehydrator for a full cycle. When the leaves are dried, you can store them in a sealable bag.

Air-drying

Air drying is a convenient method to dry basil leaves and stems if you do not have any of the drying electronic appliances. For this, you've to fully make use of the heat generated by the sun in the daylight.

You can simply place your basil on a flat surface and keep it in a spot that receives full direct sunlight with proper ventilation. Many countries in Asia prefer drying the basil in an open space around their property.

You need to choose the right time for harvesting your basil plant. Timing is very crucial and it has been advised to pick the basil leaves in the morning when the leaves are plumpy and happy. Further, in the morning, the leaves of the basil are fresh and flavorful.

To get the best flavor of the leaves, you'd want to harvest the plant before it begins to flower. There are some more elements associated with the timing of harvesting basil plants which are discussed below:

1. Harvest When Basil Is Thirsty

Well, yes just like chili pepper tends to become more hotter when stressed, basil tends to be at its most flavorful state when the plant is thirsty. If you harvest the plant when it isn't well-watered, you are more likely to get flavorful leaves.

Therefore, it'd be best to make coordination between watering and harvesting schedules. You can create a gap of 2-3 days between watering the plant and picking the leaves.

2. Track the Outdoor Temperature

Another important timing element to consider is the outdoor temperature. You should know the thriving temperature of basil is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, they are found to produce more leaves.

So you need to track the outdoor temperature before harvesting the basil. Once it reaches the ideal temperature of about 80 F, you can begin harvesting.

3. Harvest Before Winter

You need to watch out for the outdoor climate before harvesting the basil plant. Harvesting is highly suggested to be performed in the warmer months or before the winter. Once the summer winds are down and the weather starts to cool, make sure you do the final harvesting.

While picking the leaves, look for the plant whether it has bear four sets of leaves or not. If yes, it indicates the safe period for harvesting. Harvesting the basil plant will encourage it to produce more new leaves which in turn makes the plant full and vibrant.

1. Do Not Harvest More Than Required

It has been recommended to harvest only one-third of the basil plant at one time. This means that when you trim the basil stems or leaves, you've to make sure you are trimming only one-third of what is on the plant initially.

Overdoing or overharvesting is more likely to make the plant weak resulting in slow recovery and leaf production. You shouldn't defoliate the entire plant while picking the leaves. Always leave a few pairs of leaves on each stem.

2. Harvesting Too Early

If you are planning to harvest your basil then you should first check your plant, whether it has reached its harvesting stage which is about 6-8 inches tall or not. Harvesting the basil at an inappropriate time quite early in their life can hinder their growth and reduce the yield.

Early harvesting is one of the common mistakes people often tend to make while cultivating the basil plant. For your plant to grow to its full potential, you shouldn't rush to harvest it early. Let the plant take its time.

3. Midday Harvesting

Well, you should know that the best time of the day to harvest basil is in the morning when the dew has just evaporated from the plants. If you make the mistake of harvesting during the midday when it is extremely hot, the leaves of the basil are more likely to wilt.

In fact, in the morning, the basil is fully hydrated and is at the peak of its flavor. This is the ideal time for harvesting basil plants.

4. Overwashing the Leaves

Washing and cleaning the leaves is very important regardless of its use. Dirty leaves might be prone to hazards. But you should be careful while cleaning the leaves and stems of the basil.

Overwashing the delicate leaves with water can cause waterlogging and they all might lose their essential flavors. Therefore, be gentle while rinsing the leaves with water. Avoid rubbing harshly, simply allow the mild current of water to wash the dirt on them.

5. Using Dirty Pruning Tools

If you are using any metal tools to trim the leaves and stems of the basil plants other than your hands, make sure to clean them properly minimizing the risk of bacteria and fungi infestation to your plant.

You wouldn't want to spread any disease to this amazing herbal plant. Therefore, always use clean and sharp tools to make precise cuts on the plants and prevent the plant from any potential damage.

6. Cutting Too Close To the Ground 

While pruning the basil plant, make sure to avoid cutting the basil stems too close to the ground. It is recommended to cut just above a pair of leaves which is in fact, a leaf node. Cutting too low will stress the plant.

It is not the best practice to harvest the basil plant very close to the ground. Whether you are harvesting leaves or stems, you should remember to work from the top of the plant by trimming only one-third of it.

Basil is a popular leafy herb that is found to grow from seed or young plants. It favors a warm climate and thrives in sunshine. People around the world harvest its aromatic leaves all summer for different purposes.

Having been treated as an annual herbal plant, most types of basil can grow 24-36 inches in stature. It can't survive winter if left in the outdoors. It has been thriving in the garden, doorsteps, kitchen windowsills, and balconies in different parts of the world.

The straightforward answer to this question is a big no. You should know that basil plants are classified as annual plants, which means they are meant to live and die in a single growing season, unlike perennials.

People around the world try repotting the basil plant indoors when the winter comes or when it begins to frost outdoors but this won't increase their life span significantly. They are naturally meant to die in a single season.

How Long Can a Basil Plant Live

The lifecycle of the basil plant is completed within a year because they're an annual plant. Basil is found to survive until it can produce seeds and bear flowers. In general, the basil plant lasts about four to six months.

However, the life span of the basil plant majorly depends upon the climatic and growing conditions. If harvested periodically holding back the production of flowers, under thriving climatic conditions of warmth and sunshine, the basil plant can live a bit longer until the winter.

The Basil plant is a tender, annual plant. They are commonly known for their aromatic leaves that are widely used in cuisines worldwide. Being a herb in the mint family, the basil plant has been found to add flavors to several dishes.

In addition to that, the basil plant is considered highly nutritious which may provide several health benefits to mankind. Well, there's more to add to the benefits of the basil plant. Scroll down to find interesting benefits of growing basil plants.

1. Improve Air Quality

Yes, holy basil commonly known as tulsi, is a type of basil plant that has been found to improve the atmospheric air quality. Holy basil is believed to possess air-purifying properties that can potentially absorb toxins and pollutants from the air.

That is why most people are recommended to plant the basil plant indoors to respire improved and purified air in your house or business settings. This can create a calming effect and reduce stress on your body.

2. Improve Soil Health

Providing significant improvement in the soil health and its fertility is another essential benefit of the basil plant. Basil plants have been found to show a positive impact on the soil quality and its nutrient contents.

You must be aware that healthy soil is vital for the healthy growth of plants and basil plants have been offering us important sustainable practices through their unique properties.

3. Attract Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

Basil plants are believed to support biodiversity by allowing pollinators and beneficial insects to roam around the garden. Yes, the basil plant attracts useful creatures like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds which are vital for the natural ecosystem. These pollinators play a significant role in nature by supporting diverse ecosystems through the reproduction of plants.

4. Conserve Water

Basil plants are drought-resistant plants that require minimal watering which makes them an excellent choice for gardens and surroundings. With the growing concern of global water shortages, it is very crucial to choose plants that can survive with minimum water.

Basil plants can therefore support sustainable agricultural practices by conserving water to a great extent and reducing the burden on local water sources.

1. Cinnamon Basil

Cinnamon basil, also known as Mexican spice basil, is an easy-to-grow herb that requires 6-8 hours of bright sunlight per day. Having been grown as an annual herbal plant, cinnamon basil is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9–11.

The stems of cinnamon basil are found to be dark purple in coloration. These herbal plants can grow up to 18-30 inches tall offering leaves that have spicy, fragrant, and flavorful aroma.

2. Dark Opal Basil

Dark Opal Basil is somewhat black with stunning vibrant colors. This herbal plant has a warm, clove-like scent with an earthy flavor. Dark opal basil is actually a heat-loving foliage.

Apart from deep purple coloration, the leaves of the plant are sometimes mottled. This plant is popular for both decorative and culinary purposes. In addition to that, dark opal basil was a winner of the All-American Selection Award in 1962.

3. Holy Basil

Holy basil is a herb from the basil family. This herbal plant is popularly cultivated around the southeastern areas of Asia, while being native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Malaysia, Asia, and the western Pacific. 

Having been considered an agricultural and environmental weed, holy basil is a sacred plant for Hindus that is often planted in the courtyards of Hindu houses and temples. It is worshipped as the avatar of the Lakshmi goddess.