1️⃣ Choose the Right Time
– Start trimming your basil plants when they are about 6 inches tall or have at least 6 leaves.
2️⃣ Identify Where to Cut:
– Look for the points on the stem where pairs of leaves grow (these are called nodes).
– You’ll see tiny new leaves forming at these nodes.
3️⃣ Make the Cut:
– Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts.
– Cut the stem just above the node where new leaves are starting to form. This encourages the plant to branch out from that point.
4️⃣ Encourage Bushiness:
– Regularly trimming the top sets of leaves will stimulate the plant to become bushier.
– Always cut the stem above a set of leaves to encourage new branches to grow from the nodes.
5️⃣ Harvest Wisely:
– Harvest leaves from the top of the plant first, which helps encourage new growth lower down.
– Never remove more than one-third of the plant’s growth at one time to keep your basil healthy and productive.
6️⃣ Avoid Flowering:
– If you see flower buds forming, pinch them off. Flowering can cause the basil to focus on seed production and reduce the growth of flavorful leaves.
Bonus Tips:
– Water your basil regularly, especially after trimming, to support new growth.
– Ensure your basil gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Enjoy a continuous supply of fresh basil throughout the growing season while encouraging your plants to grow — now that’s BombDiggity!
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