How to Harvest the Herb Basil

Harvest basil properly for the health of the plant.

Basil is a well-known herb used in many culinary dishes. The way the herb is harvested is just as important as the flavoring it offers to the cook. Harvested properly, the plant will grow to its full potential and health, making it a viable source of use through many years. Sweet basil is the most popular variety, but be adventuresome and try some of the other varieties, such as lemon basil, Thai basil, cinnamon basil or red Rubin basil.

Things You'll Need

• Small scissors

Instructions

1. Harvest basil first thing in the morning, before the heat of the sun is out, to retain the robust flavor of the essential oils.

2. Snip off the new growth on each branch of your new basil plant before you replant it in the yard or transplant it to a new container. The basil plant should stand about 1 foot tall at this point. If you start with a smaller plant, don't nip growth off until it has between four and six sets of leaves. Use the basil nips for cooking.

3. Cut the new growth no longer than every three weeks. Some growers snip the new growth once a week. Taking new growth once a week, however, may not give you enough basil to use for a chosen recipe.

4. Allow the flowering buds to bloom if you wish to enjoy the full beauty of the plant. However, if you wish to continue to use the herb for cooking, nip off the buds as they appear. The flowering will take the energy of the plant and the leaves will no longer be as pungent.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't plan on using your cut basil right away, tie a string around the ends and hang it to dry. You can then store it in an airtight jar or container.

References

• Basil Guide: Harvesting Basil
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Basil
• Purdue University: Basil

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish