Harvesting basil correctly is the secret to keeping plants lush, productive, and full of flavorful leaves all summer long.
More basil please! With it’s aromatic scent and prolific growing habit (if tended correctly), basil is a beloved staple of the Summer kitchen.
To maximize production, never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time, and be sure to pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear. Flowering signals the plant to focus on seed production instead of leaf growth, which can reduce both yield and flavor.
Instead of picking individual leaves here and there, use clean scissors or pruners to snip stems just above a set of leaves. This encourages the plant to branch out, creating two new stems where there was once one.
Once your basil reaches about 6–8 inches tall, begin harvesting regularly by removing the top few inches of growth every week or two.
To maximize production, never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time, and be sure to pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear. Flowering signals the plant to focus on seed production instead of leaf growth, which can reduce both yield and flavor.
With regular harvesting, consistent watering, and plenty of sunshine, a healthy basil plant can provide a continuous supply of fragrant leaves from late Spring until the first Fall frost.