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Learn how to grow basil, plus propagate, chop, and freeze it with this easy guide. Fresh herbs are just a few cuttings and steps away.
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow, and once you get started, it just keeps giving. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to grow and propagate basil, so you can enjoy fresh leaves all season long. It’s a member of the mint family, and with just a little care, it thrives in gardens or containers. Basil was the very first herb I ever planted, and it’s been a favorite ever since. I’ll also share how to use it in the kitchen, the best way to chop and freeze it, and how to keep your plants healthy and full.
How To Grow Basil In A Container
Basil is a must-have for any herb garden, and it’s especially perfect if you’re just getting started. It can be grown indoors or outdoors, and doesn’t require much effort. During the growing season, basil plants are easy to find at garden centers, and even year-round in the produce section at most grocery stores. With just a few basic tips, you’ll be able to grow your own basil right at home.
- Use large containers with good drainage holes, and fill them with quality fertilized potting soil. If you’re using standard potting soil, just add a bit of liquid fertilizer.
- Don’t move basil outdoors until after the last frost.
- Place containers where they’ll receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
- Keep the soil consistently moist by watering regularly.
- Basil benefits from being “pinched back.” By pruning the leaves often and using the pinch method, your plants will stay bushy and full, rather than growing tall and leggy. The pinch method means using your fingers or garden scissors to remove the top set of leaves, just above a pair of lower leaves. This encourages the plant to branch out and grow fuller, instead of tall and leggy.
- If you prefer to plant basil directly in the ground, be sure to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Add a layer of compost and finish with mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds away.
For the purpose of this image,
I put them all together.
Best Types of Basil To Grow
- Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Genovese basil
- Thai or Licorice basil
- Lemon basil
- Greek basil
- Holy basil
- Red Rubin basil
How To Propagate Basil
Propagating basil is a simple way to create new plants from an existing one, and it works with all basil varieties.
- Using clean garden scissors, cut several healthy stems from your basil plant. Snip low on the plant.
- Cut each stem at an angle just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, but feel free to leave a few at the top.
- Place the trimmed stems in jars of water. It works best to use one small jar of water for each stem. Change the water every few days if you remember, but even if you forget, the roots usually grow just fine.
- In about two to three weeks, roots will begin to form.
- Once the roots are a few inches long, plant the stems in small pots filled with fresh potting soil. It also works to plant two or three rooted cuttings in a large pot, as pictured below. Make sure to keep the soil moist and give the pot plenty of sun.
This is a wonderful way to grow extra basil for indoor use during the colder months, especially if you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs year-round. These rooted cuttings also make lovely, thoughtful gifts…just place one in a small terra cotta pot or decorative container filled with potting soil, and add a simple tag or ribbon. It’s a sweet and easy way to share a little bit of your garden.
How To Chop Basil
To chop basil without bruising it, use the chiffonade method. Stack several leaves together and gently roll them lengthwise into a loose bundle. Then, using a sharp knife, slice across the roll just once to create thin ribbons. This simple technique keeps the basil fresh and bright, without turning it dark or bruised.
How To Freeze Basil
If you’re growing basil outdoors in the summer, freezing it is a great way to enjoy it all year long.
What You Need
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Ice cube tray
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or herb scissors
- Freezer-safe container or resealable bag (optional)
Steps for Freezing Basil in Olive Oil
- Harvest and wash your basil.
- Chop the leaves using the chiffonade method or scissors.
- Fill each section of an ice cube tray with the chopped basil.
- Drizzle olive oil into each section, almost to the top.
- Freeze for at least 8 hours.
- If desired, remove the cubes from the tray and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. If your ice cube tray has a lid, you can just leave the basil cubes in it, and pop them out when needed.
- These basil cubes can be used in pasta dishes, sauces, soups, and sautés.
- They’ll stay fresh for up to 6 months and are perfect for quick, easy meals.
FAQ’s
How to Dry Basil
If you have an abundance of basil and want to preserve it without freezing, drying is another great option. It’s simple to do at home, and one of the easiest ways is using your oven. For a step-by-step guide, take a look at this post on how to dry herbs in the oven. Once dried, store your basil in an airtight container and use it all year long in soups, sauces, and more. You could use the tags featured in this post, pictured above, to gift your basil cuttings!
My Final Tip
If your basil plants are growing faster than you can use them, don’t let those extra stems go to waste. Snip the longest ones and tuck them into your garden flower arrangements. The bright green leaves add a fresh, unexpected touch…and the fragrance is absolutely wonderful. It’s an easy way to enjoy your basil both in the kitchen and around your home.
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We’re new to this and this has been great advice for us! Can you tell me how to tell when its time to harvest? We are just pinching back some leaves today since ours is tall but not widening out.
Hi Savannah: I’m really sorry I missed this comment. I was out of town the first couple of weeks of June, and I wasn’t doing a great job of keeping up. Anyway, I am updating this post on growing basil and I’ve added more information and answered some frequently asked questions. Hope you can check it out again if you have time. Thank you!
I have tried so many times but my cuttings ALWAYS die. The top leaves wilt and the bottom of the stem turns black. I’ve followed all directions from many posts and videos. I’m so frustrated. Can you include tips for what goes wrong? Much appreciated.
Hi Cheryl…here are a few tips. Try putting each stem in a separate container, and make sure to change the water every day. Put them in a sunny & warm location. Make sure there are no basil leaves sitting in the water…just stems. You can also try a bit of rooting powder, but once the roots begin, change to clean water. Good luck!
I love the tip on how to freeze basil! Mine often gets away from me in the summer and I need to pinch it back hard, but never know what to do with all the pinched branches. Now I can just squirrel the chopped leaves away for winter. Thanks, Ann!
Thank you Ann. I´ve been thinking of making an herb garden this summer. This is great information.
Wow Ann This was a great learning experience, thank you!
Awesome ice cube tray idea! thanks!!!!!!
Thank you for once again doing the research/work and sharing good information, I so appreciate you and look forward to seeing your emails in my in box!
I believe this is my first time posting but I’ve been a follower for years! I love the idea of freezing my basil! We live in the Palm Springs area so basil grows wonderfully and I usually have an over abundance. And….I can’t wait to try the making butter with my herbs!
Thank you as always, Ann!
I never thought of rooting and transplanting basil! Great tip! Thank you wonderful Ann!
Thanks Ann!! I’ve needed some “pointers” on growing and caring for my basil plants. I love basil on a tuna salad..so fresh! It’s one of my favorite herbs!! I’ve enjoyed your blog from the very beginning!!
Blessings.
June G.
We grow basil and tomatoes every summer in our backyard. I like to make pesto and freeze it in ice cube trays. Each cube is about 1 Tablespoon. It’s great to use on pasta during the winter!
I recently bought my first basil plant. Your instructions are perfect!
Thank you for everything you share and it makes my day to see onsuttonplace in my inbox.
Ann,
Thank you for all the great tips on Basil. . .my favorite Herb!
I LOVE growing and eating Basil!
I do freeze basil in ice cube trays and use throughout the year!
This evening, “Mr. Ed” (the Master Gardener) & I planted our first Basil from seed.
Fingers crossed!
Pat
Hi Ann. I enjoyed your basil tips. I was wondering if you have had problems with the fungus that has been plaguing basil plants across the country for the last several years.
There is a lot of information on the net about it, but apparently no solutions.
Hi Tricia…I have never had any fungus on my basil so I’m afraid I am no help. I grow my herbs in containers that drain and dry out quickly. I’m not sure if that little bit of extra dryness has helped keep the fungus away or not. Good luck!
The instructions for propagating basil are so wonderful. So much less expensive than buying more new plants. You are the greatest.
Ann – I just love your blog. It makes my day. Thanks for sharing all your tips and tricks!
I have been wanting to start a herb garden and this really helps me! Thanks Ann!
I was just doing this today with some basil that I received from a friend! Perfect timing! I am making bruschetta tomorrow with my leaves that I trimmed. YUMMY! Thanks for sharing tips on freezing as well.
Thank you for the tips on propagating basil. Every year, I try to save and freeze as much as I can before the frost gets my outdoor herb garden. This year, I’ll try bringing a few cuttings indoors to grow on my kitchen windowsill so I can have fresh cuttings all winter long.