Heres how to keep the harvest coming.
When temperatures consistently stay in the 80s, this annual herb really takes off.
Learn how to get the most from your basil plant.
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Morning sun is preferable because it benefits fromafternoon shadein the hottest months of the season.
Basil also prefers to remain somewhat moist (not sopping wet).
There also are many differentbasil cultivars, or cultivated varieties, it’s possible for you to grow.
No matter what kind you grow, here’s the best way to harvest basil to keep it coming.
Harvest from the top of the plant so more leaves are produced.
If you pick from the bottom, it will get lanky and scraggly looking.
For larger amounts, trim off full stems of basil from the top of the plant down.
Use your fingers or a small pair of scissors to remove the stems if they’re thick.
Cut about 14 inch above where leaves are coming off the main stem.
As your basil keeps sending out new growth, continue to prune it the same way.
It grows quickly and will push new growth that can be harvested within a week or two.
Should You Cut Off Basil Flowers?
By mid-summer, most basil plants develop flowers on the tips of branches.
Some cooks also say the flavor of basil changes and becomes bitter if you don’t remove the flowers.
Can Basil Survive a Frost?
Basil is cold-sensitive and won’t survive even a light frost.
This way, you’ll enjoy fresh basil from your very own garden all winter long.
Basil keeps longer at room temperature.Store fresh basillike you would put fresh flowers in a vase.
Trim the stems and remove any lower leaves so there are no leaves in the water.
Place the stems in a jar half full of water, and keep them on the counter.
Replace the water daily.
Look beyond the basics and try some of these basil recipes:
