How to Harvest Basil All Season Without Killing It
While fresh basil is now available in supermarkets all year round, it’s not the same as being able to go out into your backyard (or turn to your windowsill planter) and pluck a few leaves when you need them. But it’s one thing to peel one or two stalks for a smoothie: how about harvesting most of the plant to make pesto?
Basil’s growing season is already limited by summer weather, so you might be worried about picking too many leaves early and running out of nothing in July and August. But fear not: harvesting basil leaves is actually important for its growth. Here’s what you need to know.
How (and when) to harvest basil
While there is no specific day or month that marks the start of basil season, you will notice that once temperatures begin to hit 80°F regularly, your plant will begin, in the words of the Famers Almanac , to “fall back. And when it reaches six to eight inches in height, it’s time to start collecting leaves.
If you plan to use basil leaves right away, such as when cooking, feel free to harvest them when you need them. But if you’re going to be storing basil for later use, it’s best to pick the leaves in the morning when they’re plump and juiciest.
How to make sure you have fresh basil throughout the season
You may be concerned that if you pluck all (or most) of your basil leaves in early summer, they will run out quickly. But in fact, according to the Famers Almanac , the opposite is true: Regularly picking leaves from basil only stimulates its growth.
Think of picking basil leaves as part of your regular summer care, as well as making sure it gets enough water and sunlight. In fact, you should collect the leaves regularly, even if you don’t plan to use them right away (freeze them in this case).