Basil is a versatile annual herb that’s easy to care for, thriving in both gardens and containers. With a variety of types—such as sweet basil, Thai basil, and lemon basil—it’s a staple in many kitchen gardens.
Knowing when and how to harvest basil leaves is key to keeping your plants healthy and maximizing your yield for an extended harvest throughout the growing season. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the best practices for harvesting and storing your basil simply and effectively.
When To Harvest Basil?
I started my basil indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. This timing ensures I have seedlings ready to transplant outdoors once the weather warms up, allowing me to maximize my harvest throughout the growing season.
- You can harvest basil when the plant is about 6 to 8 inches tall or has at least four sets of leaves.
- If you know when the seeds were planted, expect the basil to be ready for harvest in 60 to 70 days.
- The ideal time to harvest basil is in the morning after a few dry days, this will ensure you get the freshest and highest-quality basil leaves.
- To enjoy the most flavorful basil leaves, be sure to harvest them before the flowers appear.
- You can harvest basil throughout the growing season until the first frost. If you’re growing basil in pots and want to extend your harvest into fall and winter, simply move the pots indoors to a warm, sunny location or place them under a grow light.
How To Harvest Basil The Best Way?
Whether grown indoors or outdoors, basil harvesting methods remain the same. Here are my easy steps for harvesting basil:
- Using sharp scissors or pruning shears, trim full stems of basil from the top down. Cut about 1/4 inch above a node (where two side shoots emerge), leaving at least two sets of leaves at the bottom. This encourages the plant to produce more leaves and become bushier.
- You can expect to harvest again about two to three weeks after the first cut. During this time, the two side shoots and those from the bottom of the plant will grow, making it bushier. Repeat the same harvesting steps as before to encourage continued growth and bushiness after each harvest.
- Whenever you notice flower buds forming on the plant, remove them immediately. This will help the plant continue producing leaves throughout the growing season.
- You can harvest basil as frequently as you wish, but be sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Why It Is Important to Harvest Basil Regularly
Regularly harvesting basil is essential for the health and productivity of your plant. Here are some key reasons to make harvesting a routine:
Encourages Growth
By regularly harvesting basil, you are encouraging the plant to grow more leaves. This is because when you remove the leaves, the plant is triggered to produce more in order to compensate for the loss. This results in a bushier and more productive plant.
Prevents Flowering
When basil plants are left to grow without being harvested, they will eventually start to flower. While the flowers are attractive, they signal the end of the plant’s productive life. By harvesting regularly, you can prevent the plant from flowering and keep it productive for longer.
Increases Flavor
Basil leaves are at their most flavorful when they are young and tender. By harvesting regularly, you can ensure that you are always using the freshest and most flavorful leaves in your cooking.
Prevents Disease
Leaving old and damaged leaves on the plant can attract pests and diseases. By regularly harvesting and removing any damaged leaves, you can prevent these issues from occurring and keep your plant healthy.
How to Store Basil?
Once you have harvested your basil, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some tips on how to store basil:
1. Store Fresh Basil
The best way to store fresh basil is to remove the lower leaves and place the stems in a glass of water. Keep the glass at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. This method will keep your basil fresh for at least four to five days. Avoid refrigerating fresh basil, as the cold can cause it to turn brown.
If you haven’t used your basil for a week or more, you may notice roots starting to grow at the bottom of the stem. At this point, you can pot it, harden it off for a few days, and then return it to the garden. This way, you’ll have even more basil plants to harvest!
2. Freeze Basil
If you have an abundance of basil, you can freeze it for later use. Start by washing and drying the leaves, then place them in ice cube trays filled with water and freeze for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer the basil cubes to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
3. Preserve Basil in Oil
Another way to store basil is to preserve it in oil. To do this, blend fresh basil leaves with olive oil until smooth, then pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the basil oil cubes to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to six months.
4. Dry Basil
Drying basil is another option for storing it long-term. To dry basil, hang the stems upside down in a warm, dry place until the leaves are completely dry and brittle. Once dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container for up to a year.
Now you know exactly when and how to harvest and store basil properly, by following these simple tips, you can store your basil and enjoy its fresh flavor for weeks or even months to come. Happy harvesting!
