Read this article to learn How to Make Basil Bushier to grow lush and full sweet basil plant with flavorful, dense foliage.
Basil is a versatile herb used in many cuisines for its aromatic flavor. While growing it is not difficult, beginner gardeners often find that it becomes lanky with just a few stems.
But if you want to avoid this and get a bountiful harvest from a single plant, knowing these secrets to Make Basil Bushier will be useful!
Tips on How to Make Basil Bushier
A single basil plant may not look like it will meet all your kitchen needs, but if you follow these tricks, you can make it bushier with healthy, large leaves and a never-ending supply of fresh basil sprigs!
1. Pinching Helps
When the young basil plant grows about 6 inches tall, pinch the top tip (terminal bud) to encourage new growth. This trimming will allow the axillary buds (lateral buds) to grow and form more stems–making your basil plant bushier.
You can keep pinching the top growth with your fingernails every couple of weeks for continuous dense growth!
2. Pruning is Important
Pruning the plant regularly will ensure it grows back densely. It may sound counterintuitive, but cut as much as you need, making sure to leave at least 2 or 3 sets of leaves on each stem. This way, the basil branches set several more stems, producing a much thicker growth!
Note: Before you start pruning off the plant, ensure it is at least 6-7 inches tall. Use sterilized pruning shears to avoid damaging the stems and for a clean cut and disease-free growth.
3. Do Deadheading
When you notice flower buds, remove them with your fingers. Do not let the basil plant seed if you want it to grow more. This measure will allow the plant to focus all its energy on growing more leaves!
4. Harvest More Often
The quickest way to make basil bushier is to harvest the plant often, once every two to three weeks. This will put a full stop to the flowering and will trick the plant into producing more leaves!
However, avoid overharvesting. Never harvest more than 50% of the plant at once to avoid stunted growth.
5. Water Infrequently
Too frequent and shallow watering leads to smaller roots and weaker basil plant. For a strong and robust root system always water deeply but infrequently only when you see the topsoil drying out a bit. Doing this will lead to a healthy plant with bushier growth.
6. Never Pull Basil Leaves
This last tip is most important–whenever you harvest your basil plant, avoid pulling individual leaves or from the axils. Because this will do no good, and the plant will be stripped of leaves soon.
Instead, pick the part of stems just above a leaf node or set of leaves. This process will promote new growth and make your basil plant bushier.
Bery interesting. Thanks
l was wondering how to make them more fuller. Great to read this as mine are at this point to start a pinch.