Basil

BASIL GROWING GUIDANCE

What To Expect (Day 1) :

Basil is a fast-growing herb that continues to produce new leaves if pruned properly. You can begin lightly picking single leaves off your basil plant once there are 3-5 sets of leaves on a single stalk or when the stalk is at least 3-4 inches tall. Always pick your basil starting at the top of the plant and work your way down. You should have small basil plants thriving in 5-7 days!

Touchpoint 1 (Day 15) :

Your basil should now be approximately 3-4 inches tall. To promote healthy growth in your basil plant, ‘top off’ the plant by snipping off the tops of each plant directly above a leaf node (where a set of leaves grow from the stem). This will encourage your basil to grow larger and fuller - if you cut one stem, it will reproduce and form two stems below your cut. This is extremely important if you plan to keep your basil around for continual growth. 

Touchpoint 2 (Day 25) :

Your basil should now be ready for pruning and larger consumption. Pruning basil will ensure the plant grows extra stems and leaves. Always prune your basil starting at the top of the plant and work your way down. Begin by cutting where the stem meets the stalk, just above the leaf node (where a set of leaves join the stem). Snipping above the nodes promotes new plant growth and new leaves will emerge below your cut. The more frequently you prune, the more the plant will produce. You can now periodically trim sprigs of basil whenever desired.

Harvest (Day 45) :

Your basil has now reached maturity. You can continue to prune your basil and allow it to regrow for as long as desired. Once your plant begins to become more leggy and stiff, it means that your basil is nearing the end of its lifecycle and you should completely harvest soon. Another sign that indicates that your basil is nearing its end is when it begins to lose its strong flavor or starts to flower.