Every vital, he althy basil shoot has what it takes to become an independent herb plant. Below we will explain to you in an understandable and practical way how you can grow a new royal herb plant from cuttings within a short period of time.
How do I propagate basil through cuttings?
To grow basil offshoots, cut strong shoot tips without buds to a length of 10-15 cm and place them in a glass of water. After about a week, roots will form and you can transplant the cuttings into potting soil before adding them to the herb bed.
How to cut cuttings professionally
The propagation of basil using cuttings aims to ensure that the cut shoots form their own roots. For the plan to succeed, select strong shoot tips without buds. Cut this off to a length of 10 to 15 centimeters with a sharp, disinfected knife. The interface is located just below the base of a leaf. The ideal cut is slightly slanted.
Let basil cuttings root
The cut cuttings are defoliated in the lower half. Then place the offshoots in a glass of water. A small piece of charcoal prevents rot from forming. In a partially shaded spot at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, the first tender roots will develop within a week. How to proceed:
- Small cultivation pots half filled with lean herb or planting soil
- press a small depression in it with the stick or a spoon
- Insert a rooted offshoot in the middle and fill the substrate up to just below the edge of the pot
After watering, the root system continues to form in the bright, warm window seat. When the first shoots appear and the first roots grow out of the opening in the ground, the young plants are repotted into a nutrient-rich, well-drained substrate. Alternatively, plant the royal herb outside in the herb bed.
Picking promotes bushy growth
Regular trimming makes a valuable contribution to ensuring that rooted basil offshoots branch lushly. Once the plant reaches a height of 15-20 centimeters, cut off the shoot tips repeatedly. To do this, place the knife or scissors just above a pair of leaves.
Tips & Tricks
If you can't wait for basil cuttings to root, use willow water to speed up the process. Shredded, annual willow branches are poured with boiling water and left to steep for 24 hours. The strained brew contains natural growth hormones in abundance. The salicylic acid it contains also prevents the formation of rot.
