Basil was one of the first plants I ever started to grow here in Nevada, a frost tender plant, it is believed that it grows during our short warm season, and dies. But alas, I am here to tell you, the secret to growing basil all year long from one plant!
I really started this in a desperate attempt to continue keeping my basil through all seasons here in Nevada, but I didn’t want to use grow lights, or heat my greenhouse, so one summer I decided to take a cutting from all of my favorite varieties of basil growing in the yard, and place them in water and find out what would happen.
In a week or two it began growing roots in the water. It’s important to change the water every few days or it can make for muck in the glass jar and make the plant unhealthy.
With one clipping, you will receive one new plant! Makes it quite simple to fill your garden space with all the basil, for free.
A few years back I started an array of basil varieties trying to find the flavor we liked best, as well as it’s abilities to stand our harsh weather conditions. I planted them in the outdoor garden as seedlings, and they’ve been alive ever since.
What is the secret to growing basil all year long from one plant? A cutting of course! Similar to propogating coleus using a cutting, basil is very much the same.
Simple, even the most novice of gardeners can complete this gardening task, this is a great way to dip your toes into gardening, and self-sufficiency.
The Secret To Growing Basil All Year Long From One Plant
- With clean scissors, clip off a cutting from your basil plant.
- Add water to a jar.
- Remove any leaves that may touch the water in the glass jar.
- Set in a window with indirect light, until roots have formed. After the roots are about 3-4 inches, plant in soil, and place in the window without direct light for a day or two.
- Bring your newly potted basil plant to a window with direct sunlight, I unfortunately don’t have direct sunlight on any window for the entirety of the day, but 5 to 6 hours gives my basil plant enough filtered light to grow through winter.
- As it gets taller, take cuttings and repeat the process all over.
Resulting in an endless supply of basil plants. Providing fresh basil throughout the long winters, as well as new plants to place out in the garden come spring.
About two months before warmer weather arrives, I take as many cuttings as I’d want plants in my summer garden. By the time the frost ends my cutting has turned into a perfect plant to head outside after some hardening off.
This can continue on for years, giving you endless basil plants all season long, from one plant.
Being continually grown in your climate year after year, makes for strong, sturdy, healthy basil. Much more likely to thrive in your climate as opposed to a store bought basil.
I love that I don’t have to rely on keeping seeds for the basil, this has been a reliable way for me to continue growing basil year after year without any expense except a little of my time. Simple, requiring minimal space and time, who wouldn’t want to have fresh herbs all year round?
Danielle
