Bush Basil Care Tips On Growing Bush Basil Plants In The Garden

Bush basil prefers rich soil, so find a good quality potting soil, or use a fertilizer to enrich your soil. Choose a full-sun location that drains well, water your plant regularly, and it should grow well. As it grows, harvest leaves as needed. Pinching it back will actually help it grow more.

When should Basil be cut back?
How do you trim a basil bush?
How do you care for a potted basil plant outside?
Should I cut back my basil plant?
How do you pick basil without killing plants?
How do you encourage basil to grow?
Does basil turn into a bush?
What is the best way to harvest basil?
Are coffee grounds good for basil plants?
How long will a basil plant live?

When should Basil be cut back?

When to trim basil

And when trimming basil it's best to start early when the seedlings are about six to eight inches tall and have three to four sets of leaves. At that point, each plant is likely a single stem. I like to pinch that main stem back to a strong set of side shoots, removing about one-third of the plant.

How do you trim a basil bush?

Use the trimmings in the kitchen, combining a regular pruning with harvesting of the flavorful herb.

Pinch off the tips of each stem every two to three weeks, beginning when the plants are approximately 8 inches tall. ...
Cut or pinch off individual leaves from the sides of the plant to maintain the shape of the small bush.

How do you care for a potted basil plant outside?

Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist. Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering. Your goal when growing basil in a container is to keep the soil from drying out. The best time of day to water basil is early in the morning.

Should I cut back my basil plant?

Pinching or cutting back basil plants regularly encourages full, bushy plants. There is no mystery or exact science to cutting back basil plants. Trim a basil plant every two to three weeks and pinch off the flower buds as soon as you see them.

How do you pick basil without killing plants?

For the best flavor, harvest leaves before flower buds form. Pinch and remove flower buds as soon as you see them. If you leave them on the plant, they may change the taste of basil, making it somewhat bitter. Regularly removing the buds also can help lengthen the life of your basil plant and your harvest season.

How do you encourage basil to grow?

Basil plants initially grow one central stem. Once they are reach 6-8 inches tall, pinch the central stem back by half and about ¼ inch above the leaf axils. This will force the plants to branch and grow more leaves. As the plants keep sending out new branching stems, continue to pinch them back in the same manner.

Does basil turn into a bush?

Planting Basil & Ongoing Care

They'll grow together into one large bush, which I find attractive-looking and also enables the plants to provide support and shade for one another. Basil needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. In climates with hot summers, they do benefit from some afternoon shade.

What is the best way to harvest basil?

How to Harvest Basil

Start picking the leaves of basil as soon as the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall.
Once temperatures hit 80°F (27°C), basil will really start leafing out.
Harvest in the early morning, when leaves are at their juiciest.
Make sure to pick the leaves regularly to encourage growth throughout the summer.

Are coffee grounds good for basil plants?

Coffee grounds do have a place in the growth of basil. You just have to be careful when you use it. We know that basil likes soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. ... It's best to use compost that has coffee grounds in it rather than incorporate them directly into the soil.

How long will a basil plant live?

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.