How to Prune and Trim Basil?

You can cut basil without killing the plant. Following right steps, you can actually encourage bushier growth and more leaf production. To cut basil safely, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut just above a leaf node, which is the point where leaves are attached to the stem. Meanwhile, avoid cutting too much at once, and never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. 

To trim your basil plant and ensure it keeps growing, follow these steps:

How to Trim Basil Plant so it Keeps Growing?

Wait for the Right Time

Start trimming your basil plant when it is about 6 to 8 inches tall and has at least three to four sets of opposite leaves. This usually happens around 35 days after planting.

Identify the Stem to Cut

Look for a stem with at least two sets of leaves below the tip. You should cut just above a leaf node, which is the point where leaves are attached to the stem. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce more leaves.

Cut the Basil    

Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, trim the basil stem just above the node where the leaves meet the stem. For the first cut, pinch or cut the central stem back to within 1/4 inch above the first set of leaves. As the plant grows, continue to cut back each new stem by up to half its length, always leaving at least one leaf node below the cut.

Remove Flower Buds

Regularly check for and remove flower buds as they form. Flowering can cause the leaves to turn bitter and halt the growth of new leaves. Pinch the flower stem between your thumb and forefinger or snip it off with scissors below the base of the flower and above the next set of alternating leaves.

Continue Regular Pruning

To maintain a bushy plant and a continuous supply of leaves, prune your basil regularly throughout the growing season. This herb grows quickly during warm weather and should be checked daily when temperatures approach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Prune up to half of each stem, always cutting just above a set of leaves.