Put a young basil plant in a draining pot with suitable potting mix, give it a warm bright position, keep the mix evenly moist, and harvest shoot tips as it grows.
Take a healthy basil stem, cut below a node, remove the lower leaves and root the bare lower stem in water. Move the rooted cutting into potting mix once it is ready.
From a cut stem to a rooted plant: follow the six steps before potting. Open full-size image ↗
Optional supplies on Amazon
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How our links work.
Continue normal basil care as the plant establishes. Keep it well watered, provide a sunny growing position, and pinch growing tips later to encourage a fuller plant.
Fine seed-starting mix is useful for small seeds. A suitable soilless potting mix can also start many vegetables. Choose by intended use, texture and fertilizer information, not the bag name alone.
No. Maryland Extension notes that a suitable soilless potting medium works for general vegetable seed starting. Fine seed-starting media are particularly useful for very small seeds.
No. Check the package rather than assuming either potting mix or seed-starting mix includes nutrients. Keep its feeding directions so you know when supplementation is appropriate.
Yes, if it is sound and properly cleaned and disinfected before reuse. Check that drainage openings are clear and that the tray still supports the containers securely.
