How to Propagate Boxwood Basil

Cuttings

• 1

  Add slightly moistened potting mix to the pot, using one pot for each cutting.

• 2

  Place a small amount of rooting hormone in a bowl or small cup. Dipping cut stems into the original container may contaminate the entire supply if there is any disease present on the stem.

• 3

  Cut a tip from the stem of the parent plant, at the node, which is where the tip branches off to form leaves. Choose tips that show no signs of disease or insect infestation, such as discoloration or wilting, and avoid any stems with flower buds.

• 4

  Pinch or snip off all but the top leaves of the cutting.

• 5

  Wet the node end of the tip and dip it in the rooting hormone to coat it thoroughly, at least 1 inch up the stem. Tap the cutting on the side of the bowl to knock off any excess clumps of rooting hormone.

• 6

  Insert at least half of the tip cutting, starting with the node, into the pot, retaining an upright position. Repeat this process for each cutting.

• 7

  Insert a tall straw into the pot and then cover it with a plastic bag to create the optimal environment for root development. Purdue University Consumer Horticulture notes that plants may decay if plastic touches the leaves.

• 8

  Place pots in a warm, shaded location to allow each cutting to develop new roots.

• 9

  Keep cuttings consistently moist during root development by gently misting each pot at least once a day.

• 10

  Check for root growth after five to seven days. Very gently tug upward on the cutting. If you feel some resistance, chances are good that roots are forming below.

Seeds

• 11

  Allow several of the stems to bud, flower and wilt on the parent plant, then snip off each spent bloom and place it in a bag or bowl for seed collection.

• 12

  Rub the flower gently between fingers, over a pie plate or bowl, to release the dried seeds from the bloom.

• 13

  Spread seeds out on a layer of paper towels or a pie plate and place it in a cool, dry location to dry the seeds completely.

• 14

  Place dried seeds in a paper envelope or airtight glass jar and label with the plant name and date of seed collection.

• 15

  Store seeds in a cool, dark location until planting time.