Recently, I have uncovered the incredible benefits of basil. Just to name a few, basil is good for the digestive, nervous, and heart systems thanks to its anti-inflammatory and natural antioxidant properties. Thus, having basil available in your house is really helpful. Keep on reading and I share how to grow basil from a cutting, right below!
Table of Contents
How To Grow Basil From A Cutting? – 2 Easy Methods
Where to get basil cuttings?
Next time, do not throw the abundant basil plans into the trash. Instead, find nice long steam from the plan and prune just below the last leaf node for four or six inches long.
It is not a hard job, but if you do know where to start, then you can refer to the tutorial by Garden Answer here.
Also, you can go to the grocery stores or garden centers in the early spring, fall, and winter to get healthy and fresh basils. Normally, one or two pots are enough. Then, you can divide those plans into smaller packages, ready to trim back and transplant to water bottles or pots for fresh growth.
Or, to save money, I just clock at my neighbor’s door, asking for a clump of basils. Thankfully, she is so kind and generous.
Grow basil cuttings in a glass of water
What to prepare:
- Some fresh basil cutting
- A glass or bottle of filtered or spring water
- Some powdered rooting hormone (not required)
Interestingly enough, you just need to put two inches or four inches of cuttings in freshwater and wait several days for new roots to grow. To fasten the growth, you can roll the bottom of cuttings in a little powdered rooting hormone – but do not overdo.
You should place the glass by a sunny windowsill so that basil cuttings can grow in full more quickly. Also, change the clean water daily and do not use too much water. Otherwise, the cuttings might rot.
Just so you know, I do not recommend using tap water because the remaining chlorinated will affect the development of basil cuttings.
Fill small glasses or jars with filtered or spring water. You can use tap water, but if it’s chlorinated leave it out for 24 hours first so that the chlorine can evaporate.
Take the basil cuttings to the soil pot
Growing the basil cuttings in water is extremely simple, however, the basil will grow faster if you bring it to the soil.
All you need are:
- Some fresh basil cuttings
- Moistened potting mix or multi-purpose potting compost
- Shallow tray of lukewarm water
- At least one pot of 4 inches in diameter. Otherwise, you can use recycled yogurt containers as long as you create some drainage holes
First off, you need to clean the pot or the container before filling it with the potting mix or the compost. The moistened potting mix, as its name suggests, creates a favorable for the basil cuttings and prevents the drying out. Otherwise, you should mix the multi-purpose compost with a shallow tray of lukewarm so that water can be absorbed within an hour.
Then, make a hole in the mix or the compost to the medium and insert the basic cutting into. You need to ensure good contact between the soil and the basil steam.
How to Take Care of Basil Cuttings?
Above are two methods on how to grow basil from a cutting. Very easy, right?
However, the basil cuttings will hardly grow well if you let them be in the water bottle or the pot all the time. Instead, takes notes on the following tips.
The brighter, the better
Originally found in India, it makes sense that almost all basils are warm-season and sun-loving plants.
Thus, I strongly recommend placing the basils under reasonable sunlight or at least, bright artificial light. However, there is no need to get full sun because it causes quick drying out. Six hours of sun or temperatures of 21°C a day is enough.
6.0 to 6.5 pH
Most vegetables, including basil, are healthy at this pH range.
In the fall, it is better to lime the soil so that it has time to reduce the acidity content and improve the calcium and magnesium.
Rich, moisture and well-drained soil
Although basils are easy to grow, it is still better to provide the plants with additional compost, pine bark, manure, or so. Nonetheless, over-fertilization will reduce the natural flavor of foliage.
If you grow the basil cuttings in pots, please make sure that the soil is good at holding water, while it remains well drainage via holes and within clayed soils.
Proper harvest
Harvest properly and frequently and you can expect the basil cuttings to grow for weeks or even months. This also encourages the leaves to grow.
Then, you should pick the leaves when the basils reach 6 inches high and in the early morning to get the fullest juiciest. Even when you do not need the leaves, you should still pick them and freeze/dry for later uses.
What to Do with Basil Leaves?
Nutrition facts of basil
Basils come in multiple varieties such as sweet basil, Greek basil, Thai basil, Cinnamon basil, etc. Each might vary a little bit in flavor and nutrition.
However, you can expect all those varieties to be rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin A, antioxidant content, anti-inflammatory properties, and more.
In terms of flavor, basils feature a distinct aroma and essential oils.
Potential benefits of basils
Once you search for basils, you might be surprised about their health benefits. Here I just name a few:
- Flavoring the cuisine and drinks;
- Reducing loss of memory and depression due to aging or stress;
- Supporting recovery, especially after a stroke;
- Enhance blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol;
- Prevent breast, pancreas, and colon cancers and gut; etc.
Possible side effects
Good as the basils are, you still need to remember some precautions:
- Over intake of basils interfere with blood-thinning drugs;
- Basils might lower the pressure and sugar in the blood;
- Pregnant women should not eat holy basil or related supplements because it affects sperm and breastfeeding;
- Basil allergies are rare, but you still keep the information in mind; etc.
Culinary uses of basils
Basils are commonly used in salads, tomato dishes, meat seasonings, soups, etc. and in combination with spices and other herbs.
Here come several recipes from Pinterest for your reference.
Too excited to apply how to grow basil from a cutting and interesting recipes? Then, you should try all tomorrow! Who knows, you can even make money from selling those foods?
