How to Trim Fresh Basil

Basil is an herb with many uses and varieties. The leaves of sweet basil varieties (Italian, lettuce leaf and opal) are included in many Italian dishes and also in dressings, pesto and salads. Oils extracted from other varieties are used in making liquors and perfumes. More unique basil plants, such as lemon basil and cinnamon basil, are used in jelly recipes or dried for potpourri. This aromatic herb grows easily with proper water and sunlight producing up to 25 cups of leaves per plant in one growing season.

Things You'll Need

• Basil plants
• Scissors or knife

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Prune the plant down to just above the bottom two pairs of leaves by cutting stems just above each set of leaves. This encourages growth. Keep the plant evenly watered in a sunny place.

   • 2

     Cut or pinch off the top most leaves away just above the set below them. Continue to trim these newest leaves every 1 to 2 weeks for optimal flavor. Frequent cutting promotes growth.

   • 3

     Trim the plant down to the bottom leaves about every 4 to 6 weeks depending on the speed of growth to prevent flowering. Flowering of basil plants causes the leaves to become bitter.