Is It Better To Cut Or Pull Your Basil Plant?

Basil is a wonderfully fragrant herb that is a favorite among gardeners. But, when you are learning how to grow and take care of basil plants, one of the biggest mistakes you might be making is pulling off the leaves or stems instead of harvesting them correctly. Absolutely do not pull! Pulling the leaves can damage your basil and won't promote regrowth. On the other hand, cutting or pinching the leaves in the right way will give you an abundance of fresh herbs for a continuous crop. You may want to use either method for different reasons — there's a time for pinching and a time for cutting. A great way to ensure you have a bountiful basil harvest is to pick it correctly, in the first place.

Pinching is great for daily upkeep and for when you only need a few leaves for a dish. Harvesting basil with this method is excellent for promoting growth and ensuring the health of your plant long-term. If you pinch off the small growth tips at the top of the plant, this encourages your basil to branch out, which means more leaves and a bushier plant. Try to pinch just above the stem junction where the leaves meet the main stalk. Just remember, light pinching is great for maintenance, but cutting is better for larger harvests. Pulling, however, risks tearing the stem and should always be avoided.

Once your basil plant has matured and you're ready to bring in more than just a couple of leaves, it's time to cut. Think of cutting as the go-to method for bigger harvests –- whether you're making a fresh batch of pesto or preserving leaves for later. The key is knowing where and how to cut, so you can harvest your basil for more growth.

Always use sharp, clean shears, and make your cut just above a leaf node. A node is the little bump where new shoots are beginning to grow from the main stem. This tells your plant to grow from that point, keeping it full of life and continually producing new leaves.

Unlike pinching, which is great for day-to-day maintenance, strategic cutting supports the long-term health of your basil plant and will give you more to work with at the same time. And here's a bonus tip: If your basil has bolted (starts to flower) you can still use it. Just cut off the flowering stems and hang them upside down to dry. You'll not only preserve the leaves but also create a fragrant touch for your kitchen or pantry.