How to Harvest & Prune Basil To Get A Bigger Harvest!

Basil is a versatile and aromatic herb that's a staple in many kitchens. If you’re growing your own basil, you’ll want to know how to harvest & prune it so that the plant continues to thrive and produce more leaves. Here's a guide to help you harvest basil correctly and keep your plant healthy and productive.

1. Understand Basil Growth

Basil is a fast-growing herb that thrives in warm weather. It grows in a branching pattern, with new leaves emerging from the junction where leaves meet the stem. To keep your basil plant producing, you need to encourage this branching by harvesting correctly.

2. Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp Scissors or Pruning Shears: Using a clean, sharp tool helps make precise cuts and reduces the risk of damaging the plant. My FAV pruner is the Felco Long Reach Snips! (CLICK HERE and use discount code "GrowAHealthyGarden" on anything in that store for 5% off!)
• Clean Container: To collect your harvested basil leaves. My FAV harvest basket is by Botanical Interests! (CLICK HERE and use discount code "GrowAHealthyGarden" on anything in that store for 5% off!)

3. Timing Is Everything

• Early Morning Harvest: The best time to harvest basil is in the early morning when the essential oils are at their peak, making the leaves more flavorful and aromatic.
• Frequency: Harvest basil leaves regularly. Even if you don’t need them, regular harvesting encourages more growth.

4. Harvesting Technique

• Pinching or Cutting: Use your fingers to pinch off the stems just above a pair of leaves, or use scissors/pruning shears to make a clean cut. This encourages the plant to produce two new stems at the cut, leading to a fuller plant.
• Harvest From the Top: Always take leaves from the top of the plant. This not only encourages more growth but also prevents the plant from becoming leggy and encourages a bushier form.

5. How Much to Harvest

• No More Than One-Third: Never take more than one-third of the plant at a time. This ensures that the plant has enough leaves to continue photosynthesizing and growing.
• Leave the Small Leaves: Only harvest the mature leaves. The smaller leaves at the top are still growing and will provide more harvest in the future.

6. Post-Harvest Care

• Watering: After harvesting, give your basil plant a good drink of water to help it recover.

7. Preventing Flowering

• Pinch Off Flower Buds: Basil plants will start to produce flowers if not harvested frequently. Pinch off any flower buds as soon as you see them. Flowering diverts the plant’s energy from leaf production to seed production, which reduces the quality and quantity of the leaves.

8. Storing Your Harvest

• Short-Term: For immediate use, store fresh basil stems in a glass of water on your kitchen counter. This also looks & smells AMAZING in your kitchen!
• Long-Term: For longer storage, you can freeze basil leaves or make pesto. To freeze, blanch the leaves in boiling water for a few seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. Pat dry and store in airtight containers in the freezer. If you don't mind that the color won't stay green, you can skip the blanching.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your basil plant remains healthy and continues to produce lush, flavorful leaves throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!

At Grow A Healthy Garden, we are committed to helping you cultivate a thriving garden full of delicious, fresh herbs and vegetables. For more gardening tips and advice, follow our blog and Youtube Channel (CLICK HERE!)