How to Prune Basil for a More Abundant Harvest, According to Gardening Experts

Basil is an annual herb that can be grown from seed or is easily transplanted. To ensure your basil plant reaches its full potential, pruning is essential. Cutting back basil plants regularly during the growing season encourages bushier growth, enhances the flavor of the leaves, and prevents the plant from going to seed. That said, over-pruning basil plants or cutting the stems at the wrong spot can have negative consequences. To ensure you have a bountiful harvest, we asked experts to share their tips for pruning basil leaves and flowers the right way.

When to Prune Basil

The best time to prune basil is during its growing season, which is typically in late spring to early summer. Prune when the plant is about 6 to 8 inches tall and has many leaves, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins. Pruning too soon can inhibit the plant’s growth.

Regularly prune basil throughout summer to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from going to seed. Remove flowers as they form or stem production will slow down, and the leaves will start to taste bitter, says gardening expert Ryan McEnaney. Prune just above a pair of leaves or a leaf node to stimulate new growth.

How to Prune Basil

When pruning or harvesting basil, be sure not to cut back too much or remove all the leaves. “The basil leaves are what absorb the sunlight, photosynthesize, and convert the sunlight into energy, and grow new stems and leaves,” says McEnaney. “Basil can tolerate a fair amount of pruning because it grows quickly during the warm months, but you don’t want to cut back more than about two-thirds of the plant at one time to avoid shocking the plant or preventing photosynthesis.”

Identify Where You Want to Cut

Look for a stem with at least two pairs of leaves (nodes) where the leaves grow opposite each other on the stem. You should cut just above a set of leaves to encourage the plant to branch out and grow fuller, says Funk. Always leave at least one or two sets of leaves below the cut.

Make Your Cut

Using clean, sanitized pruning shears or scissors, trim your basil stem just above the node where alternating leaves meet the stem. If you have a young plant, be sure that you’re not cutting back further than 6 inches. If you have a mature, well-branched plant, cut back whatever you need without removing more than two-thirds of the plant at one time.

Remove the Flowers

Basil flowers tell the plant to direct energy away from producing leaves to creating seeds, resulting in fewer leaves and a bitter flavor. Removing flowers keeps the plant focused on leaf growth, says Funk.

Check the plant for small flower buds forming at the top of stems or in leaf nodes. Pinch the flower stem between your thumb and forefinger or snip it off with scissors below the base of the flower and above the next set of alternating leaves.

Basil Pruning Mistakes

There are certain methods that should be avoided when pruning basil to ensure the plant remains healthy and productive. Funk says avoiding these mistakes can help your basil plant thrive and give you a continual harvest.

• Over-pruning: Removing too many leaves or cutting back too much of the plant at once can stress the basil plant and hinder its ability to photosynthesize and grow, says Funk.
• Pruning at the wrong spot: Avoid cutting below the main growth nodes or removing the main stem below the first set of leaves, says Funk. Instead, prune right above a set of leaves to encourage bushier growth.
• Using dull or dirty tools: Dull or dirty pruners can damage the plant tissue during pruning, making it more susceptible to disease. Always clean and sanitize your tools before making cuts.
• Pruning too early: Pruning when the basil plant is too young can slow its growth. Wait until the plant is well-established and is at least 6 to 8 inches tall.