Photo: The original uploader was Latique at French Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Basil: when and how to prune
Ocimum basilicum
Basil is best pruned in June–September.
| Pruning months | June–September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Basil: when to prune it?
From June to September, every time you harvest: pinching out the tips keeps the plant compact and leafy.
What else to prune in those months? June · July · August · September
Basil: how to prune it?
- Pinch or cut out the tip of young plants above the third or fourth pair of leaves so that side shoots form.
- After that, always harvest the tips of the stems, just above a pair of small side buds.
- Remove flower spikes as soon as they appear if you mainly want to harvest leaves.
- In August, let a few stems flower: bees feast on them and you can collect seed.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–September.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Do not just pick the large lower leaves: the plant then grows tall and bare and runs to flower sooner.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.