When to Start Pinching a Basil Leaf?

Growing Basil

• Basil can be grown as an indoor potted herb or as an ornamental garden specimen. Easily grown from seed, basil should be planted indoors in May or outdoors after the first frost. Germination occurs in five to seven days. If growing indoors for outdoor transplantation, wait until the first two leaves appear before moving the plant. Both indoor and outdoor basil plants require plenty of sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Pinching the Stalk and Flowers

• Once the basil plant is six weeks old, pinch the center shoot of the plant to prevent flowering and side growth. If you are growing basil for harvesting, remove flowers by pinching them off as they appear. Flowers will prevent future leaf growth.

Pinching the Leaves

• Basil leaves can be harvested as the new buds begin to emerge, which occurs after the center shoot is cut, but before any flowers emerge. To remove the basil leaf, pinch off the leaf so 1/4 inch of the node remains. Leaves can be snipped off with your fingers or a pair of scissors. If growing your basil outdoors, pinch off the leaves in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the air becomes too warm. Allow some foliage to remain to promote future growth.

Pruning and Upkeep

• If your basil plant begins to branch out, trim it down to a 6- to 8-inch-tall plant with a minimum of one to two shoots, which will keep it harvesting. Pruning the basil plant will not disrupt leaf growth, and you can expect a second harvest with a few weeks of the first. Most basil plants require pruning every one to two weeks.