Grow basil with this trick, you will never fail to grow this herb at home
Have you tried growing basil many times, but every time the leaves fall or the plant dries up? If yes, then you are not alone. Millions of people want to grow basil at home but fail due to the wrong methods. In this article, we will share with you a unique and tried trick that will completely change your basil-growing experience.
Why is Basil necessary for every home?
Basil has antioxidant-rich properties. Also, this herb has a history of use in Traditional Medicine. Some of its major benefits:
Immunity Booster: Basil leaves boost immunity.
Anti-bacterial properties: It helps in fighting infections.
Clean environment: It absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
Stress-reducing herb: Basil tea provides mental peace.
Beneficial for Digestion: It helps to relieve gas and bloating.
Why is there a failure in growing Basil?
Many people plant basil seeds and think that they will grow on their own if they just water them. But basil is a delicate plant that requires attention and the right technique.
Common reasons for failure:
Poor soil (waterlogged or nutrient-less).
Overwatering.
Keeping in the shade (Basil needs sunlight).
Planting in the Wrong Season.
Grow basil with this trick
Grow basil from cuttings, not seeds.
Growing basil from seed is time-consuming and has a high chance of failure. But if you propagate basil from a healthy 4- to 6-inch stalk, the plant will grow quickly and strongly.
Step-by-step process to grow Basil from cuttings:
1. Choosing the right stem
Cut a 4-6-inch stalk from a healthy basil plant.
Make sure it has 4-6 green leaves on it.
Remove the bottom leaves.
2. Rooting in water
Place the stick in a glass of water (the bottom part should be submerged).
Roots will start emerging in 5–7 days.
Change the water every two days.
3. Planting in a pot
Soil Mix: 50% Garden Soil + 30% Cow Dung Manure + 20% Sand.
There should be good drainage in the pot.
Plant the rooted cutting in the soil and water it lightly.
4. Place it in the right place
Basil needs at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight.
Keeping in shade or inside causes the leaves to turn yellow.
5. When and how to water
It is better to water lightly in the morning.
Water again only when the soil feels dry, not every day.
Personal Experience: Why was my grandmother's basil always green?
In my childhood, I used to see that my grandmother did not sow new basil seeds every year. She would cut the stem of an old plant and put it in water and after a few days, she would plant it in a new pot.
The result? Successfully planted basil every time, without any expense or effort. I also adopted the same trick, and today in my house, there is lush green basil in 3 pots.
Some smart tips for taking care of Basil
1. Trim basil regularly
Cut off the top 2–3 leaves every 2 weeks.
This makes the plant bushy and dense.
2. Pay special attention in the rain
Keep Basil under a roof so that it does not get flooded with excess water.
The drainage hole should not be choked.
3. Protect Basil from cold air in winter
Keep basil near a window where it gets sunlight.
If necessary, bring the pot inside the room.
Scientific and Agricultural Research
Ayush Ministry Report states that Basil contains an oil called Eugenol, which is rich in antiviral properties.
According to the Gardening Know How website, propagation of basil from cuttings is more successful than growing from seed.