How to Root Basil in Water

All types of basil are fragrant, attractive herbs that are easy to grow and delicious to use. The more basil you grow, the more uses you will find for it, so when you buy or harvest a bunch of this herb, start more plants the easy way by rooting them in water. Your basil bouquet will also look lovely while the roots are forming and its fragrance will perfume your home. However, don't expect every stalk to sprout roots: start more basil than you need to ensure you get a good percentage of rooted sprigs.

Scissors or garden snips
Glass jar or drinking glass
Partly shady location

Instructions

- 1
  Select healthy, robust, non-blooming tops of any type of basil. Cut to 4 inches long and snip off all leaves from the lower half.
- 2
  Fill small jars or drinking glasses about half full with water.
- 3
  Place four basil sprigs into each glass or jar and set them in a spot with indirect light and no direct sun.
- 4
  Replace the water in your glass or jar every day to prevent the stems from rotting.
- 5
  Plant each rooted basil cutting in a small pot after two or three weeks, when the roots are at least 1 inch long, using a good quality potting soil. Transplant them to the garden or into a larger container when they are 4 inches or taller.

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Growing Herbs