The complete guide to growing basil. Includes propagating basil, how to chop basil & how to freeze basil. Includes tips and easy ways to get the most out of your basil plants.
Today it’s all about growing basil plus how to propagate, chop, and freeze this versatile herb. Basil is one of those plants that grows almost anywhere and needs minimal care. It was the very first herb I ever planted and has been the star of my herb garden ever since. First up are tips for growing basil followed by tips for propagating basil, or growing from cuttings.
Growing Basil In A Pot
Basil is a must-have for any herb garden, and if you are a beginner, it’s the perfect herb to start with. Basil can be grown inside or outside and requires no special attention. Basil plants are readily available during the growing season and can be found year round in the produce section of grocery stores.
- Use a large container with good drainage and fertilized potting soil.
- Place the container where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Water regularly so the soil stays moist.
By following these simple tips you will be rewarded with lovely fresh basil leaves for cooking and preserving.
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Propagating Basil
Propagating basil is actually much easier than it sounds! With your garden scissors in hand, harvest several basil stems making sure to cut low on the plant. Snip each stem at an angle just under the lowest set of leaf nodes. Trim the leaves so you have a bare stem.
Place the snipped basil stems in jars of fresh water. It helps to change the water every few days, but I occasionally forget and the roots still grow just fine.
Roots will grow out of the stems in about two weeks.
Plant the rooted basil in fresh potting soil and water well.
This is a great way to get extra basil plants to give as gifts or to use for an indoor herb garden when the cold weather arrives. My favorite ways to use basil are in pasta sauces, {grilled honey mustard chicken} and {caprese salad}.
How to Chop Basil Video
How to Freeze Basil Video
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Pat says
Friday, April 26, 2019 at 9:24 pmAnn,
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
Tricia says
Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 9:38 pmHi 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.
Ann Drake says
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 11:25 amHi 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!
Carol J says
Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 7:11 amThe instructions for propagating basil are so wonderful. So much less expensive than buying more new plants. You are the greatest.
Gael Fawley says
Friday, April 13, 2018 at 8:36 amAnn – I just love your blog. It makes my day. Thanks for sharing all your tips and tricks!
Judy h. says
Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 7:35 pmHi Ann! What a perfect day for me! First, I was surprised with the wonderful and fun freebies you so generously graced us with today. Then I click on the title and the first thing I see is ‘All About Basil’. Just yesterday, my daughter-in-law asked me how to freeze basil. We both grew basil for the first time this summer and our yields were more than plentiful. We dried some, but neither of us knew about the freezing process. Thanks to you, now we DO! Thank you friend!
Sheila DelCharco says
Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 6:48 amOk. I’m so going to try this with store-bought basil! My plant died this summer on one of my trips (hubby didn’t water it enough) and I miss my basil. Have you tried making pesto? So yummy!
~Sheila
Ann Drake says
Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 10:12 amNo I’ve never made pesto…believe it or not I really don’t like it! Frozen basil would be perfect for it though.
Hope says
Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 9:14 pmIf you made your own pesto there is a good chance you’d LOVE it! The stuff in jars tastes very different. I make pesto and also freeze it in ice cube trays. A cube or two in an Italian soup or sauce add that mysterious something that amps up the flavour. Also good on a pizza crust with a little cheese for an appetizer!
LU Ann says
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 9:28 amThank you Ann
Great ideas. I love basil and it smells so good. Tastes good too wonderful information.
Doris says
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 9:31 pmGreat information, Ann. Maybe I will get motivated to try growing herbs.
Pat says
Monday, August 15, 2016 at 6:09 pmWhen do you wash and dry the basil?
Laura says
Monday, August 15, 2016 at 1:55 pmPerfect timing… :) My basil is growing out of control (at least I learned to snip the flowers off).
Thank you for this post! If you don’t mind, I’d love to reblog this one on my site?
Karla says
Monday, August 15, 2016 at 10:43 amEnjoyed the post on Basil. I have some in a pot on deck, was wondering how to keep during the cold winter months, now I know. I use the herb in my sauces and in canning.
Thanks for all the information you give us.
Karla
Kelly says
Monday, August 15, 2016 at 10:22 amGreat article! How do they do inside once winter comes? I had no idea you could propagate them. Great to know and do next year! I enjoy your posts, Ann!
Debbie says
Monday, August 15, 2016 at 6:23 amI have been wanting to start a herb garden and this really helps me! Thanks Ann!
Irene Kimball says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 8:29 pmI have planted some basil from seed and it grew in fits and starts. Yours looks so healthy. I think I may try your cutting method. Certainly more promising than waiting to see if the seeds will sprout. Thanks for the tips.
Carolyn says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 7:09 pmI 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.
Dawn says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 6:37 pmI need to try this, I tend to kill my herbs growing in the house but maybe I could save them by taking cuttings to keep the plant going.
Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 1:00 pmHeading over to ebay! Thanks for the tips Ann.
Mary says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 10:13 amThank you very much for this post! Basil and Mint are two I would like to try growing. Doubtful mint can be frozen for Mojitos, though, unless you suggest otherwise.
Anne says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 8:58 amGood morning Ann, I love your blog…so refreshing …recently moved to a small house on a small lot …this spurred me on to do a kitchen garden in my kitchen ! Thank you for the tips…basil is my favorite herb – wonderful that it’s the star of the day today On Sutton Place …………smiles Anne
Nan, Odessa, DE says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 8:42 amWe are members of Habitat for Wildlife and have several gardens that require almost no care, to include no watering.
I have a kitchen garden facing south with herbs. Began over 25 years ago by creating well drained soil.
This garden grows chives, rosemary, sage, lavender, garlic chives, pineapple sage, chamomile BUT
no basil. No wonder it dies on me! Nothing in this garden is watered and thrives. I have never had any luck with basil.
Are you telling me that basil likes to be kept damp? I will be so happy if you would share this info!
PS I also cannot grow a tomato – no, NO I know it needs water.
Never would put it in this kitchen garden, I know this much. HELP!!!
Bev says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 8:14 amThank you Ann . This is very helpful ! I love basil but didn’t realize I could propagate!!! I love all the information you give . I also live in Ohio part time ????
Edie says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 8:10 amCute little video Ann!! Thanks????
Charmaine says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 7:49 amThank 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.
Alejandra says
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 7:20 amDidn’t know it was easy to grow Basil new plants so easy, thanks for this tip, it will be so useful for winter,