Grow More Basil Than You Can Possibly Eat!

Summary

Learn how to propagate a simple supermarket basil plant into an endless supply of fresh basil with just a few easy steps! In this tutorial, you'll discover how to harvest, cut, and root basil stems in water, then transplant them into soil for healthy, thriving plants. With some patience and care, you can enjoy homegrown basil all year long, saving money and reducing waste. This simple, sustainable method allows you to keep propagating new plants, ensuring you never run out of basil again!

Takeaways

• 😀 Propagating basil from a supermarket plant allows you to create an endless supply of fresh basil at home.
• 🌱 Begin by cutting a long stem from the plant just below a leaf node, where roots will develop.
• ✂️ Remove excess leaves from the stem, leaving a few larger leaves at the top for optimal propagation.
• 💧 Place the cuttings in water, ensuring the stems are submerged but the leaves remain above the water line.
• 🌞 Place the glass of cuttings in a bright spot, such as a sunny windowsill or under grow lights for optimal root growth.
• ⏳ Within 1-2 weeks, roots should start to form on the cuttings, signaling they are ready for planting.
• 🌿 After the roots develop, transfer the cuttings into well-draining soil to encourage strong growth.
• 💦 Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help them acclimate to their new soil environment.
• 🌞 Basil plants require plenty of sunlight, so make sure they are placed in a sunny location for best results.
• 🔁 Once the plant grows, you can continue taking cuttings to propagate more basil, creating a never-ending supply of fresh herbs.
• 🍽️ Harvest the leaves by cutting above the lower leaves, which helps the plant grow and encourages more propagation opportunities.

Q & A

Why do supermarket basil plants typically not last long?

Supermarket basil plants often have too many stems crowded into a small pot, which can choke the plant and prevent it from thriving. Without enough space for the roots to grow, the plant typically doesn't last long.

What is the first step in propagating basil from a supermarket plant?

The first step is to identify a healthy stem with a leaf node and cut it just below the node. This is where the roots will develop.

How do you prepare basil stems for propagation?

You need to remove the lower leaves of the stem to expose the node and create space for root development. You can keep the removed leaves for cooking.

How many leaves should be left on the basil stem for propagation?

Leave about four leaves on top—two large ones and a couple of smaller ones—on the basil stem for propagation.

What is the ideal environment for water propagation of basil?

Basil cuttings should be placed in a glass of water in a bright spot, such as near a sunny window or under grow lights. The brighter the spot, the better the rooting process.

How long does it take for basil cuttings to develop roots in water?

Basil cuttings typically develop roots within 1-2 weeks when placed in water and given plenty of light.

Can you leave basil cuttings in water indefinitely?

While basil cuttings can survive in water for a while, they will grow stronger and faster in soil. It's best to transition them to soil once roots have developed.

How should basil be planted once it has developed roots?

Once the roots have developed, the basil cutting should be planted in a pot with free-draining soil, such as a mix of compost and perlite. Water it well after planting.

What kind of soil is best for planting basil cuttings?

A free-draining soil mix, such as one with compost and perlite, is ideal for basil cuttings to help prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

How do you care for basil once it’s planted in soil?

After planting, keep the basil in a sunny spot and water it regularly to keep the soil moist. As the plant acclimates, it will become more resistant to drier conditions.