Are you tired of your basil plant being a one-hit wonder, producing flowers instead of more leaves?
Or maybe you're looking to make your basil plant the star of your garden, growing bushier and with more opportunities to harvest fresh, flavorful basil.
Whatever your goal may be, there's a simple technique that can help: pinching!
In a TikTok video by @thatgirlsgarden, the creator shows how to make your basil plant the star of your garden by pinching off the top two sets of leaves.
With over 3 million views, you can bet that this little hack is worth a shot!
@thatgirlsgarden Redirect your basil plant’s energy into producing more foliage by “pinching” the top 2 sets of leaves! 🍃 Pinching basil is a simple yet effective technique that can help your plant grow bushier and more sets of leaves! 😋 🍃 All you need to do is removr the top few sets of leaves! This stimulates the plant to produce new growth from the lower sets of leaves. This encourages the basil to grow more branches, which means more leaves and more opportunities to harvest fresh, flavorful basil! 😻 #growingbasil #containergarden #herbs #apartmentgardener #zone9bgardening #gardentok #gardeninghacks #gardeningforbeginners #pinchingbasil ♬ BOYs a LIAR PT2 NEVER DULL REMIX - Never Dull
It's a quick and easy technique that can make a big difference in your basil plant's growth (even a commenter who majors in biology appreciates it).
Plus, it also tells the plant who's the boss, as one commenter hilariously pointed out.
Pinching off the basil's top sets of leaves stimulates the plant to produce new growth from the lower sets of leaves.
This encourages the plant to grow more branches, which means more leaves and more opportunities to harvest!
And if you're worried about the taste of your basil changing when it flowers, don't fret!
Pinching can keep your basil plant producing fresh, flavorful leaves all season. As another commenter, guymandaniel pointed out:
"When they flower the leaves also change their flavor and become more peppery. Not a bad taste just not that classic fresh basil taste."
@thatgirlsgarden has thousands of followers on her channel, and enjoys sharing her gardening hacks with others. You'll find lots of information on container gardening!
So, what are you waiting for? Give pinching a try, and watch your basil plant grow bushier with more leaves than ever!
Don't forget to share this post with your fellow basil plant enthusiasts. And as always, happy gardening!
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