How to Propagate Basil Plant from Cuttings? Faster & Affordable Ways

Basil is a widely popular herb used in various Asian and European recipes. It does not only increase the flavor of curries but also offers medicinal properties. Most gardeners love to have a basil plant in their garden as it is convenient and easy to grow. Basil can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or flowers. If you plan to have a basil garden, growing basil from seeds will be a great idea. But for one or two basil plants, growing basil from cuttings will be the better choice.

Growing Basil from cutting is faster to have a healthy basil plant in your yard. Although propagating basil is relatively easy and similar to other plants, some special methods will help you grow basil plants within no time. Then, you can grab some leaves anytime from your garden to top it on pizza, pasta, and delicious gravy.

How To Propagate Basil Plant From Cuttings?

 

 

If you are trying to propagate basil from cuttings, you will find all the necessary information with expert tips in this article. First, you have to find a good quality basil plant cutting which you will use root the plant to start with the process. Then you have to propagate in water or soil until you see the roots growing from it.

Read more about Best Ways to Pot Succulents.

Usually, basil cuttings take a few weeks to root, but the plants grow quickly after the roots are fully developed. You can expect a medium-sized basil plant within two months after propagating it from cutting. Then you will be able to grow more basil plant from the cutting of the first one or share it with your neighbors.

Most Effective ways to Propagate Basil Plant From Cuttings

Gardeners have their ways or preferences when it comes to growing a basil plant. Some say propagating in water is the faster way to grow a basil plant, while others think the potting mix gives the best results.

So, if you are confused about rooting basil from the grocery store or other’s garden, here are two most effective ways to grow basil plants from cuttings successfully-

• Propagating basil cutting in water
• Propagating basil cutting in soil

There are different methods to follow while using water and soil to root basil cuttings.

Expert Tip: Basil roots grow faster from cutting if the complete process is done indoors with enough lights.

How To Grow Basil In Water?

 

 

Growing basil cuttings in water are the easiest and most popular way of growing basil from cutting. Here are a few simple steps you have to follow while preparing the rooting process —

• Buy a few 3-4 inches long cuttings from a local store or cut one stem from a healthy basil plant.
• Clear the lower 2 inches of the cutting by carefully removing the leaves.
• Put the basil cuttings into a small glass jar.
• Fill the jar with fresh water and place it on a bright windowsill
• Don’t forget to check the water regularly and change it every other day if required.

If you follow these simple steps accurately, you will see tiny white roots are forming from the stems within 4-7 days. Give the roots enough time to grow about two inches long. The whole process can take approximately 12-18 days.

How To Grow Basil In Soil?

 

 

Rooting basil cuttings in the soil is better if you are worried about transplanting basil from water to soil. Sometimes amateur gardeners ruin the roots while planting the basil cuttings in a pot. If you root basil cuttings in soil or potting mix, you can easily let them grow in there and move to a larger pot when it’s ready.

Here are some steps to follow while rooting basil in soil —

• First, take a pot about 5 or 6 inches in diameter. Make sure it has drainage holes
• Place some pebbles or a coffee filter at the bottom of the pot to prevent the soil from washing away with water
• Take some potting mix containing organic gardening soil and some rooting hormone if you like.
• Place the potting mix evenly on the pot.
• Insert the cuttings into the potting mix and firm the soil around it.
• Make sure the soil is loose and moist.
• Then, sprinkle some water to jumpstart the rooting process.

Learn more about How to Propagate Pothos?

Although you won’t see the roots while rooting basil cuttings in soil, the small cutting will begin to push out fresh growth when the process starts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Propagate Basil from a Grocery Store?

Propagating basil from the grocery store is similar to propagating basil cuttings from any garden. You can easily propagate them in water or soil. But make sure you are picking fresh, healthy stems.

How Long does it take to Propagate Basil from Cuttings?

It depends on the type of basil and the environment. But the rooting process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

How to Propagate Thai Basil?

Thai Basil is a bit spicier and goes best with stir-fries. You can quickly grow Thai basil by rooting the cutting in water or potting mix following the method mentioned above.

How long does a Basil plant take to Grow from Seed?

Generally, the germination starts within 7 to 10 days. You can expect to harvest after 2 to 3 weeks of germination. Learn more about why basil is light green?

What month should I Plant Basil?

You can start propagating basil 2-3 weeks after the last spring frost. Also, it grows perfectly the whole summer.

Final Words: How to Propagate Basil Plant from Cuttings? 

Hopefully, we can answer all your queries and confusion regarding propagating basil plants from cuttings. It is that simple, and anybody can have a fully grown basil plant just within two months. Using the two simple methods mentioned in the article, you can also plant other herbs like oregano, mint, rosemary, lemon balm, etc. So, Give propagation a go with basil, and let us know how it turned out for you.