Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:57 pm
Every vital, healthy basil shoot has what it takes to become an independent herb plant. How to grow a new king herb plant from offshoots within a short time is explained below in an understandable and practical way.
How to cut cuttings professionally
Propagation of basil by cuttings is aimed at the fact that the cut shoots form their own roots. For the plan to succeed, select strong shoot tips without buds. Cut them off at a length of 10 to 15 centimeters with a sharp, disinfected knife. The cut is located just below a leaf base. The ideal cut is slightly oblique.
Rooting basil cuttings
The cuttings are defoliated in the lower half. Following this, place the cuttings in a glass of water. A small piece of charcoal prevents the formation of rot. In a semi-shaded place, at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, the first tender roots will develop within a week. Proceed as follows:
fill small growing pots (7,00€ at Amazon*) halfway with lean herb or pricking out soil
press a small hollow into it with the pricking rod or a spoon
insert a rooted scion in the middle and fill up substrate to just below the edge of the pot
After watering, the formation of the root system continues in a bright, warm window place. When the first shoots appear and the first roots grow out of the soil opening, the young plants are repotted in a nutrient-rich, well-drained substrate. Alternatively, plant the mullein outside in the herb bed.
De-rooting promotes bushy growth
To ensure that rooted basil offshoots branch lushly, regular pruning makes a valuable contribution. From a growth height of 15-20 centimeters, repeatedly cut off the shoot tips. To do this, place the knife or scissors just above a pair of leaves.
Tips & Tricks
If you can’t wait for basil offshoots to root, use willow water to speed up the process. Shredded, one-year-old willow rods are poured over boiling water to steep for 24 hours. Natural growth hormones are found in abundance in the strained decoction. The salicylic acid contained also prevents rotting.