How to Cut Fresh Basil

Gardeners who add a basil plant or two to a garden will reap a delicious harvest of fresh basil by mid-summer. Once you have tasted basil freshly cut from a basil plant, you may never want to go back to any other kind of basil. As long as you pay attention to a basil plant and keep it from flowering during the summer, you should have an abundant supply of fresh basil for every need.

Cut the top set of basil leaves at the first leaf node intersection from the top of the plant. Perform this cutting on all of the basil stems. Repeat this cutting only one time per week to allow the basil plant time to recover and re-grow.

Cut back two-thirds of the entire basil plant about one time per month. Make the cuttings immediately above the lowest set of four leaves.

Allow the basil plant to finally flower at the end of the summer and cut off the flowers for an especially delicious addition to many recipes.

Pick & Store Fresh Basil

Harvest basil any time the plant is actively growing, as trimming the plant regularly promotes continued growth and a healthy, tidy plant. The optimum time for harvesting the plant is mid-morning, before the heat of the day. You can also harvest the plant by pinching the stems with your fingernails. Trim the ends of the basil stems using a knife or a pair of kitchen shears. Stand the basil upright in a jar or glass with about 1 inch of cool water. Don't place the basil in hot sunlight, as the basil will deteriorate quickly. Pour out the water and replace it with fresh water every other day.