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How to Grow, Propagate and Store Basil

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Basil is an annual sweet herb that belongs in the mint family. Unlike mints, Basil is not overly invasive. It is used in many dishes and sauces. Here is how to care for and get the most out of growing Basil.

Things You Will Need

Basil

Garden spade

Garden hose

Garden gloves

Garden snips

Seed starter soil

Rooting hormone

Pots

Rubber bands

Small paper bags

If you choose to grow Basil indoors, choose a sunny location that is free of drafts. Plant it outdoors in the spring when the ground has warmed. It needs plenty of warmth and full sun.

Basil prefers well drained soil that has a pH level between 5.5 - 6.5. It prefers rich soil, adding plenty of organic matter to the soil will benefit this herb tremendously. Plants should be planted about 12 inches apart because they will branch out when properly pinched. It will grow to a height of approximately 18 inches.

It can be propagated through cuttings. Pick a branch that is at least 6 inches in length, strip the leaves from the bottom inch of the stem. Dip in rooting hormone and place in seed starter soil. Mist daily. Within three weeks the herb will have developed roots and can be transplanted. Seeds take from 5 - 10 days to germinate. Because it germinates so quickly, many prefer to direct sow the seeds.

Regularly pinch the plants as this promotes continual growth and branching. As soon as you see the plant start to produce a flower stem, pinch it off. When it begins to flower, it stops producing. If allowed to flower, it will self sow. The flower stems can also be saved to use the seeds the following year.

Harvest Basil as needed throughout the growing season. Pick leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. To store, bundle stems together and fasten with a rubber band. Slip the branches into a paper bag and attach the paper bag to the bundle with another rubber band. Leave a couple inches of the stems sticking out of the bag. Cut ventilation slits into bag. Hang upside down in a dark, warm location. Check frequently after a few weeks to monitor drying process. Once dried, store Basil in airtight containers.