Growing basil from cuttings is faster than starting from seed, and one healthy plant can give you several new ones. A cutting usually roots in 2 to 4 weeks. Below I’ll show you where to cut and how to get those roots going. And if you don’t have a basil plant to take cuttings from yet, you can even grow new basil from store-bought basil stems.
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Choosing the Perfect Cutting
The first step in propagating basil is selecting a healthy, non-flowering plant. Look for vibrant green leaves and sturdy stems. The cutting should be around 4-6 inches long and have at least two sets of leaves. Personally, I prefer taking cuttings from the top of the plant. They seem to root faster and grow more robustly.
Preparing the Cutting
Once you’ve chosen your cutting, it’s time to prepare it. Using a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears, make a slanted cut just below a node (the point where the leaves grow from the stem). Remove the leaves from the lower 2-3 inches of the cutting. This step is crucial because roots will emerge from the nodes, where the leaves were removed. By taking off these lower leaves, you prevent rot and help the cutting focus its energy on developing new roots at each node point submerged in water or soil.
Tip: Always use clean, sharp tools to make your cut. This reduces the risk of damaging the plant tissue and helps prevent the spread of diseases.
Rooting Your Basil Cutting
You have two main options for rooting basil cuttings: water propagation and soil propagation.
Water Propagation
- Fill a clean glass or jar with water.
- Place the prepared cutting in the water, ensuring that the bottom node is submerged.
- Position the container in a warm, bright spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Watching the roots develop in water is satisfying, and it’s less messy than soil propagation. Each node that is submerged will start to sprout roots, giving your cutting a strong foundation.
Soil Propagation
- Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix.
- Make a small hole in the soil and insert the prepared cutting.
- Gently firm the soil around the cutting.
- Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright spot.
Because the propagation rate in basil is commonly high enough, using rooting hormone is optional. It can help speed up the process, but it’s not absolutely necessary. In soil, roots will also emerge from the nodes. Be sure to bury at least one or two nodes below the soil surface.
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Caring for Your Rooted Cutting
Whether you’ve chosen water or soil propagation, your cutting should start to root in 2-4 weeks. Once you see a solid root system (about an inch long for water propagation or roots peeking out of the drainage holes for soil propagation), it’s time to transplant your cutting into a larger pot.
Use a potting mix rich in organic matter and good drainage. A high-quality mix usually has peat moss, coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, and compost. You can buy a pre-made mix or make your own.
Transplanting and Growing
Plant your cutting at the same depth it was growing in before. Use a pot that is 4-6 inches in diameter with good drainage to prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can cause rot. Thoroughly water the cutting and place it in a location with ample sunlight.
If you’re enjoying the process of growing basil from cuttings, why stop there? Try adding even more fresh herbs to your garden! Check out our guides on growing mint from cuttings and propagating lemon balm for more easy and rewarding herbs to grow at home.
Tips for Success
- Consistency is key
Keep your basil cutting warm, humid, and in indirect light. A stable environment promotes optimal root development for the cutting. - Don’t overwater
Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings to avoid root rot. - Pinch back your basil
Regularly pinching off the tips will make your plant bushier and prevent it from getting leggy. This also encourages more leaf growth. - Harvest regularly
Frequent harvesting promotes new growth and stops the plant from flowering. If basil flowers, it tends to become bitter and woody.
FAQs
Most basil varieties can be propagated from cuttings, though some heirloom types might be trickier.
There could be several reasons, like not enough light, too much water, or a weak cutting. Try again with a healthier plant and tweak your care routine.
Absolutely! Just make sure the plant is healthy and pest-free. Many people have success propagating basil from grocery store plants.
If there’s no sign of roots after a few weeks, the cutting might not be viable. Try taking a new cutting from a healthier part of the plant and make sure it gets enough indirect light and the right amount of water.
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or insufficient light. Make sure you’re not overwatering and that your cutting is getting enough indirect sunlight.
You can propagate basil year-round, but spring and summer are ideal due to longer days and warmer temps.
If your cutting wilts, it might be too hot or dry. Move it to a slightly cooler spot and mist the leaves to increase humidity.
