Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a tender, annual herb in the mint family. It is a popular culinary herb used in many dishes, and it has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. You might be surprised to learn you can grow endless basil from one single plant!
Basil is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. It is also a good source of manganese, which is important for energy production and antioxidant defense. Additionally, basil is rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are important for eye health. Basil also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which make it a great choice for treating minor infections.
Finally, basil is a relaxant and can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
There are many different types of basil, but the most common are sweet basil, Thai basil, and holy basil. Each type has its own unique flavor and uses. Sweet basil is the most common variety and is used in most Italian dishes. Thai basil has a spicy, peppery flavor and is often used in Thai cuisine. Holy basil is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine and has a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
As you can see, basil is a great herb to have on hand, as it can be used in many different recipes. It’s also easy to grow, and you can do so right in your own backyard or even indoors on a sunny windowsill. All you need is a pot or container, some soil, and a basil plant or seeds.
How to Grow Endless Basil From One Single Plant
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a parent plant. There are many different ways to propagate basil. You can start with seed, cuttings, or divisions.
How to Grow Endless Basil from Seed
Seed is the most common way to propagate basil. To do this, you will need to start with fresh basil seed.
1 Fill a pot with sterile potting mix and moisten it.
2 Then, sow the seed on the surface of the mix and lightly press it in.
3 Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a lid to create a humid environment.
4 Place the pot in a warm location, such as on top of a radiator or near a heater vent.
5 Keep the soil moist but not wet by misting it with water as needed.
6 When the seedlings emerge, you can remove the cover and transplant them into individual pots.
How to Grow Endless Basil from Cuttings
Cuttings are another easy way to propagate basil. To do this, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy basil plant.
1 Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
2 Fill a pot with moistened potting mix and insert the cutting into the mix.
3 Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a lid to create a humid environment.
4 Place the pot in a warm location, such as on top of a radiator or near a heater vent.
5 Keep the soil moist but not wet by misting it with water as needed.
6 Check for roots in 2-3 weeks and transplant the cutting into a larger pot when roots have formed.
Surprisingly, basil can simply be rooted in water, then later transplanted.
How to Grow Endless Basil from Divisions
Divisions are the final way to propagate basil. To do this, you’ll need a healthy basil plant to start with.
1 Remove a section of an established basil plant with at least two healthy stems.
2 Cut the section into individual plants and replant them in moistened potting mix.
3 Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a lid to create a humid environment.
4 Place the pot in a warm location, such as on top of a radiator or near a heater vent.
5 Keep the soil moist but not wet by misting it with water as needed.
6 Check for roots in 2-3 weeks and transplant the divisions into larger pots when roots have formed.
How to Propagate Basil to get an Endless Supply from One Plant
Leaves, flowers, stems- what’s the difference between basil plants
Basil plants have leaves, flowers, and stems. The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant, as they have the most flavor. The flowers can also be eaten, but they have a more subtle flavor than the leaves. The stems can also be eaten, but they are a bit tougher than the other parts of the plant.
Tips for Growing Basil Indoors
Basil is a great herb to have indoors because it’s easy to grow and has a strong flavor. Here are some tips for growing basil indoors:
1. Choose a sunny spot in your home.
2. Plant the basil in a pot with soil that drains well.
3. Water the plant regularly, but don’t overwater it.
4. Fertilize the plant monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
5. Prune the basil regularly to encourage new growth.
6. Harvest the leaves as needed for cooking or drying.
With these tips, you can grow a healthy basil plant indoors that will provide you with an endless supply of fresh leaves. Enjoy!
Recipes with Fresh Basil
Now that you have an endless supply of basil, it’s time to get cooking! Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Basil and Tomato Pizza: This classic pizza is made even better with the addition of fresh basil.
Basil Pesto: This versatile sauce can be used on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Grilled Cheese with Basil: This easy sandwich is a great way to use up your basil! Simply add a few basil leaves to your favorite grilled cheese sandwich, or take it a step further and add a slice of tomato as well to make a basil po’boy.
Tomato Basil Pasta
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days.
1 1/2 cups cold water
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
8-10 strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters
In a small saucepan, heat the water and sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar syrup, lemon juice, basil leaves, and strawberries. Puree until smooth. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Storing and Preserving Fresh Basil
If you have more basil than you can use, there are a few ways to store it. Basil can be frozen, dried, or made into pesto and stored in the fridge. If you want to keep your basil for a longer period of time, freezing is the best option.
To freeze basil, wash the leaves and then pat them dry. Next, place the leaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Basil will keep in the freezer for up to six months.
Another delicious way to freeze fresh basil is to create herb cubes, which contain a base of butter, ghee, or oil of your choice and freshly chopped basil (or herbs).
Basil is a great herb to have in your garden as well as inside your home year-round. It is easy to grow and has many health benefits. You can propagate basil from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Whichever method you choose, be sure to start with fresh seed or healthy plants. Keep the soil moist but not wet by misting it with water as needed and enjoy your endless supply of basil!
Love this easy tutorial on how to grow endless basil from one plant? Pin it!
