Basil roots so easily in water, you can turn one plant into many plants! This even works with store bought basil in the plastic herb packets! I start every summer by planting two basil plants and end up with at least eight more plants!
Rooting Basil Cuttings in Water!
Basil is one of my favorite herbs to grow! I use it in everything from salads to pesto to soup. So, I go through a lot of basil. One day, I had cut more than I needed and I stuck a few of the tops into some water and sat it on the windowsill, hoping to keep it fresh until I needed it.
After a couple of weeks, I discovered the magic of rooting basil cuttings in water!
How to Root Basil in Water
- When you basil plants are about 10-12 inches tall, cut them back to about 4 inches tall, leaving a few leaves.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cut stems for about 3-4 inches.
- Place stems in jars, fill with water and place on windowsill.
- After about two weeks, the basil should start rooting.
- If the water gets cloudy, pour it out and add fresh water.
- When the roots are a few inches long, the stems are ready to be planted in the garden!!
- Planting basil - basil does well in a sunny part of the garden.
The best part about this is that it even works with the costly packets of basil that you buy at the grocery store!
By the end of the summer, I have a full basil section in my herb bed, ready for basil pesto,
Easily Propagate Basil
Now that you know how easy it is to root basil, run out and trim your plants and get some going. Or run to the grocery store, buy a packet and start some new plants. It's that easy. Kitty cat is optional.
Tip - towards the end of the summer, I plant a couple of the basil plants in a pot. Basil does not like it when the temperatures drop below 50, so as soon as colder weather is in the forecast, I bring in those pots and enjoy my basil through the winter.
Now that you've got plenty of basil, be sure and look at some of my recipes for using it!
Recipes Using Basil
Salmon with New Potatoes and Corn Salad
If you're looking for even more fresh herb recipes, follow my Recipes Using Fresh Herbs board on Pinterest.
Pam Richardson says
I think I lost my comment. Basil is always planted in our garden because we love it. You are right, it is easy to root. Thanks for sharing at Gardens Galore!
Pam Greer says
We love it too! Thanks for hosting!
Jon Barber says
My basil cuttings always rot in the water.
Pam Greer says
Do you strip the leaves off the bottom?
Sandra at Maison De Jardin says
So funny to see this post. My husband did this by accident last week and he said to me - "look, our basil is rooting." I have been gardening for many years and didn't know this. So great that you did this post - I am sure there are many other gardeners who are not aware of this as well.
Pam Greer says
I know! I hate to think of all the years I bought more basil instead of just rooting my own.
Debrashoppeno5 says
This is the first year my basil is staying alive. I will be trying this.
Pam Greer says
Oh good! You will love all the basil plants you end up with!
Catherine says
I have to do this before the first frost comes...what a wonderful idea to have basil all year round! xo, Catherine
Choclette says
Oh yes, this is such a brilliant idea and a great way of making one basil plant go a very long way.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
I like to grow my own basil too. It's a wonderful herb to have on hand in the summer, and I just used the last of my frozen pesto from last summer. Great post.
Ali @ Home & Plate says
Great informative post. I have placed basil in water to keep it fresh and to use within days but I run into trouble replanting because they tend to burn in the sun. Any suggestions to keep that from happening?
Pam Greer says
I keep mine well watered, watering every day for at least a week or two and that seems to help them keep from burning and wilting.
Chris says
Well crap. I didn't know you could do that. Forwarding this to my wife, the garden whisperer.
Reeni says
I needed this so bad you have no idea! I have one plant that can't produce nearly enough basil to keep up with my use. You're genius!
Wearinbeads says
OK I am going to try this. Plant roots like the dark, so I am going to use colored jars or wrap with foil to encourage root growth. Thanks for the idea to root them.
Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe says
You can never have too much basil ~ or too much fun !
Lea Ann says
ok, thank you, thank you, thank you for this. Will trim my basil when I get home tonight and start that vicious basil circle. 🙂
Kat says
I will be trying this! Thanks for the tip.
Kalyn says
Did not miss it, and you inspired me to try it. This year I'm going to trim up my basil at the end of the year and try keeping it alive inside for part of the winter.
A Year on the Grill says
keep those ideas coming... I finally have a wonderful patch of basil growing. Now making plans!
BTW... any suggestions to keep basil growing well in containers in winter... Mine died around January this year.
Joanne says
I have to tell you, I certainly remember this post because I tried to convince my parents to harvest their basil and all they did was look at me with completely confused looks on their faces. Yup. They'll be waiting for August again.
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
Great idea Pam. I will definitely be trying this.
Sam