The shrub basil makes it easy for us to propagate. One plant turns into two, three or even more specimens in no time. A bushy shrub basil provides plenty of cuttings. We just need to take action and make it take root. Here's how you can do it.
How do I propagate bush basil through cuttings?
To propagate bush basil through cuttings, cut off fresh shoots, remove lower leaves and place them in water or moist potting soil. Roots form in a bright, warm place, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into larger pots.
Benefits of cuttings
You can also propagate the perennial shrub basil by sowing. However, not every plant produces usable seeds, as they are often hybrid varieties. Purchasing germinable seeds also costs money and takes time.
If a plant already exists, its shoots offer us a better propagation alternative. The new plant inherits the characteristics of the mother plant. This way you know what to expect. A cutting will also develop into a harvest-ready plant more quickly.
Suitable cuttings
A regularly trimmed basil plant will develop into a bushy shrub. You will have no problems finding a suitable cutting. This is how it is ideal:
- the shoot is freshly cut
- it shouldn't be woody
- the length should be at least 10 cm
- lower leaves are removed
Ideal time for propagation
The best period for this type of propagation is from late summer to autumn. Roughly when the edible shrub has to move indoors to overwinter.
Rooting cuttings in water
Put the cuttings in a glass filled with water, which you then place on a bright and warm windowsill. As soon as the roots formed are 2-3 cm long, you should plant the cuttings in small pots. Use special herbal soil (€6.00 on Amazon) or lean cactus soil.
Place cuttings in soil immediately
Rooting in a glass of water is not absolutely necessary because the cuttings also root well in moist soil. Fill small growing pots with growing soil and insert the cuttings about 3 cm deep. The location should also be bright and warm. A plastic bag placed over the cutting promotes rooting. However, it must be ventilated regularly.
As soon as the first new leaves appear, you know that the rooting has worked. You can soon plant the young plants in larger pots.
Tip
Shrub basil is not hardy. Wait until the Ice Saints in May before planting in the bed. On warm days, you can temporarily place the young basil outside.
