Pruning your basil plant regularly ensures it will grow as full and bushy as possible, helping it reach its maximum yield and achieve the best flavor when harvested.

Basil plants can be pruned as soon as they develop leaves. Once matured, leaves should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the plant’s exponential growth persistent.

With pruning shears or sharp scissors, cleanly cut back the leaves and remove any excess growth with your fingers. This encourages new basil leaves to grow healthy and strong.

It’s important to prune your basil plant during the appropriate season to warrant maximum growth. Basil’s active growing season starts at the end of spring and peaks in summer.

Pruning is especially vital for basil plants grown for consumption. Allowing the plant to flower will cause the leaves to undergo a chemical change and develop a bitter taste.