How to Grow Basil From Stems

Starting basil from a cutting gets larger, established plants faster than growing from seed. You can also jumpstart the basil harvest by growing from stems, since the plants mature quicker. You can propagate any type of basil from stem cuttings so long as you provide the right conditions -- full sun and lots of water. Basil is frost sensitive, so do not place plants outside when frost is still expected.

Garden shears
Vase, bottle or glass
4-inch pot
Peat-based soil mix

Instructions

- 1
  Take a 6-inch-long stem cutting from a basil plant. For dwarf basil cultivars, a 4-inch cutting will do.
- 2
  Fill a tall vase, bottle or glass with room-temperature water.
- 3
  Place the basil cutting in the glass so the stem floats in the water and the leaves remain dry. Keep the jar in a sunny location.
- 4
  Refresh the water level to maintain its height, and change out the water once or twice a week to ensure clean water. The basil stem sets new roots in about two weeks, so continue this care and watch for roots forming.
- 5
  Fill a 4-inch pot halfway with a peat-based soil mix. Place the basil cutting in the pot, then add soil up to 1 inch from the top, to cover the roots and plant the basil. Water the newly planted basil to saturate the soil.
- 6
  Care for the plant indoors for a couple of weeks, then transplant it into the garden if you wish.

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