How to Crop a Basil Plant

One of the joys of growing herbs like basil is picking them for use. A warm-season annual herb, basil is simple to grow in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Native to India and the rest of Asia, basil has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, according to Ohio State University. When basil flowers, it seeds and the young growth, the tastiest part of the basil plant, stops growing. Pruning off the flower stems prevents this from happening. Pick fresh basil from your garden as often as you need it.

Things You'll Need

• Basket
• Scissors

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Examine the basil plant. The leaves and stems that are largest will be more bitter than the younger growth.

   • 2

     Select the leaves you want to crop and cut them off the basil plant about 1/4 inch from the main stem. Only cut off as much basil as you need at a time to keep the plant healthy.

   • 3

     Cut off any flowers from the top of the plant to prevent the basil from seeding.

   • 4

     Place the basil leaves into the basket. Wash them with cool water and use them immediately.