Growing Basil From Cuttings: An Easy and Fun Guide
Growing Basil From Cuttings
Do you love growing your own herbs? If so, then you'll love this tutorial on how to propagate basil from cuttings.
This is a quick and easy process that anyone can do, regardless of experience level. Plus, it's a lot of fun!
In this guide, we will teach you how to grow basil from cuttings in both water and soil. We'll also provide some tips on how to care for your new plants.
So what are you waiting for? Let's get started!
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Advantages of Growing Basil From Cuttings
One of the biggest advantages of growing basil from cuttings is that it's a relatively easy process.
You don't need to have any special gardening tools or knowledge, and you can do it without spending much money.
Plus, propagating basil plants through cuttings helps to ensure that they will have the same flavor as your mother plant.
Whether you prefer Thai, lemon, holy, or sweet basil, this method will ensure success for all varieties of the fragrant herb.
Propagating basil from cuttings is not only a great way to heighten the speed of fresh herbs but also allows you to savor it year-round!
Whereas growing basil from seed takes approximately 8 weeks, propagating it through cuttings grants instant gratification.
Moreover, when you harvest basil you can stimulate the parent plant to grow bigger and bushier. This also prevents basil from flowering and going to seed. Plus, it is a great way to keep your basil plant healthy.
Propagating basil through cuttings allows for continual growth with minimal effort!
Where to Get Basil Cuttings
Growing basil doesn't have to be a daunting task. If you don't want to start from seed, there are plenty of options!
Visit your local garden center or nursery for a basil seedling; the grocery store can also provide potted herbs with up to 6 basil plants in one container.
Alternatively, if you know someone who grows basil plants in their garden, ask them for some cuttings.
I propagate my basil from this plant that I bought at the grocery store. We cut some of it off and used the basil leaves in a recipe and I wanted to grow more plants from it.
For the best results, abstain from utilizing basil that has already flowered - as it will not be as impactful since its energy is engaged in stimulating flower development.
Also, make sure to choose cuttings that are healthy and free of disease or rot.
The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or summer when basil plants are actively growing since it is an annual herb.
However, basil will still root at other times of the year as well with the assistance of grow lights. Here are our recommendations on the best grow lights for herbs.
How to Grow Basil From Cuttings
Now you're ready to propagate your basil cuttings!
Propagating basil from cuttings is quite simple, and the process can be broken down into two main steps: taking the basil cutting and rooting it in either water or soil.
Let's take a closer look at each method.
How to Grow Basil From Cuttings in Water
Growing basil from cuttings is a thrilling process that's easy to do and fun for the whole family.
With just water, some patience, and an observant eye you can watch as new growth unfolds in a couple of weeks!
My kids loved checking it out every day - seeing their efforts take shape was really inspiring.
Before you start the basil propagation process, you will need a glass jar filled with room-temperature filtered water, and clean scissors or herb snips.
It is essential to have a jar filled with water at the ready; you need to place your basil cutting in the fresh water immediately to avoid your basil leaves wilting.
The supplies you need to grow basil from cuttings in water.
To grow basil from cuttings in water, follow these steps:
Start by taking a cutting from the basil plant itself, making sure to cut just below a node (the area where leaves meet the stems).
Aim for a 45-degree angle when cutting to ensure the optimal surface area for rooting.
The cutting should be at least a couple of inches in length and contain one to two sets of leaves on top of the basil stem.
Cut the basil stem at a 45 degree angle if possible.
2. Trim away any additional foliage at the lower part of the stem — you should have an exposed length between 2"- 4" to ensure that roots can be established.
I removed the lower leaf so it wouldn’t be in the water.
3. Carefully place your stem cutting in the jar of water; the leaves should rest just above the surface.
Remember to switch out the water regularly (every other day is fine) - this hinders bacteria from forming.
Putting the basil stem in the water.
4. Put the basil near some bright light--basil loves at least 6 hours of sunshine a day.
If you're lucky enough to have a south-facing windowsill, place the jar there and watch your plant flourish!
Unfortunately not all of us are as blessed with optimal sunlight locations in our homes; if yours is East or West facing like mine was, invest in a grow light and bask in success (literally!). I did just that and my basil bloomed beautifully.
I had to set mine up under grow lights since I don’t get enough sun during the day.
5. After about two weeks, tiny roots should start appearing from the stem’s node area.
When the cutting has established a good amount of roots and has reached at least 2 inches or longer, it's ready to be transferred into the soil or into a container.
My basil has rooted! This is about a month’s worth of grow and right before I transplanted it into soil.
It will take another few weeks for the new basil plant to become fully developed and ready for harvesting.
Here is my basil after transplanting it into the soil from water.
Here is my basil plant now about a month later. It has fully rooted and is growing beautifully and I can start harvesting basil now.
The beginning signs of basil starting to root in water.
Here are the basil roots further along.
How to Grow Basil From Cuttings in Soil
Growing basil from cuttings in soil is a great option as well.
The process of rooting basil cuttings into the soil is similar to the water-based approach, with a few tweaks:
Start by taking a cutting from the basil plant itself, making sure to cut just below a node (the area where leaves meet the stems).
Aim for a 45-degree angle when cutting to ensure the optimal surface area for rooting.
The cutting should be at least a couple of inches in length and contain one to two sets of leaves on top of the basil stem.
2. Trim away any additional foliage at the lower part of the stem — you should have an exposed length between 2"-4" to ensure that roots can be established.
Here are my basil cuttings. I need to remove some lower leaves before I can plant them in soil.
3. Prior to planting, select a container with holes in the bottom for adequate drainage.
Basil is sensitive to excess moisture and should not be allowed to sit in wet soil.
Ensure your potting mix is moist - but not soggy! - before adding seedlings of basil.
You will want to use well-draining soil for this - if it is too moist, your plant may start to rot.
I used a seed-starting soil mix which is light and airy.
4. Make a hole in the potting mix to place your basil cutting in.
When you place your stem in make sure the leaves are just above the soil.
Firmly pack the potting soil around the stem to ensure that it is properly secured.
Create a hole for your basil cutting.
5. Basil likes a warm and humid environment so make sure to keep the soil moist and mist your plant daily.
You can place a plastic bag or humidity dome over the plants to help keep the humidity levels up.
Place the container in a warm, sunny spot with bright light and watch it grow!
6. After a few weeks, you can expect to start observing brand-new growth from the cutting.
When you notice a few leaves sprouting on top, that's your sign the basil leaf has taken root and you should soon have a healthy basil plant.
Here is one of my potted basil cuttings.
RELATED: Basil Companion Plants: the Best and Worst Plants to Grow Nearby
FAQS About Growing Basil From Cuttings
Can basil be rooted in water?
Yes, basil can be rooted in water. It is one of the easiest ways to propagate basil and it is fun because you can observe the roots growing.
How long does it take for basil cuttings to root?
It typically takes 2 weeks for basil cuttings to root in water, and 2-3 weeks for basil cuttings to root in the soil.
Can you propagate basil from the grocery store?
Yes, you can propagate basil from the grocery store.
Do cuttings need light to root?
Yes, cuttings need light to root. Make sure to place the cuttings in a sunny spot with bright, light. You can also use grow lights for this if you don’t have enough natural sunlight available.
Why is my basil not rooting?
Basil is known to be an easy plant to propagate, but sometimes it just doesn’t seem to work out.
A common cause of basil cuttings not rooting is leaving the leaves in contact with the water.
Additionally, try keeping a humid environment around the cuttings since this helps promote root formation.
With these tips in mind your basil cuttings should be up and growing soon!
Should you use rooting hormone to propagate basil?
No, it is not necessary to use rooting hormone to propagate basil.
Rooting hormone is designed to help promote root formation on difficult-to-root plants and is not usually recommended to use on plants that you are going to eat.
How to Grow Basil From Cuttings
Propagating basil plants from cuttings is a hassle-free and cost-effective way to expand your collection of this delicious herb.
With just a few simple steps, you can easily learn how to grow basil from cuttings in soil or water and have fresh basil for months on end!
So what are you waiting for? Get started growing your own basil today!
