I just am new to the world of herbs, and so is my daughter. We decided to jump in together and try this new world together and see how it goes! I'm sure we will love it!
I just found a new one, the Boxwood Basil. I have never heard of it but I'm sure many of you have.
A small piece broke off so I thought that I would try my hand at propagation.
So far I have the raw end sitting in water.
What it next? I do have a rooting hormone, do I need to use that too?
Thank You for your help.
Propagating Basil
Since no one else has responded, I will. Yes, you should be able to start basil in water. You should have a couple of nodes or at least one set of nodes. You should get roots in about two weeks. Then, plant in soil. I love basil, it smells so good and has many uses. I plant it with my tomatoes as they are companion plants and like each other! (both actually grow better together). I use a lot of basil for pesto. I make the pesto with it. Towards the end of the summer, I put it in ice cube trays to use throughout the winter. I have a low calorie recipe. I chose the large leaf basil because it's easier to pick and use for cooking. Just don't let your herbs go to seed.
Cilantro is another herb we use a lot.
Good luck.
Thank you so much for your answer. So far it isn't dead but I think I might just go ahead and pull it out and put it in water. This boxleaf basil is a small leaf, kind of globed shaped. Very pretty.
Thank you again for your answer.
Whoa. What do you mean "pull it up"?? I understood you had a piece break off?? I think I am confused.
Your boxwood basil description sounds a lot like Pistou basil. In researching, I find seed companies stock boxwood basil seed. So if you lose it, it will be easy to grow from seed.
birder17
I did have a piece break off.
I had this posted for a while with no response so I put the piece that broke off in a small pot of potting med.
Then you posted. I never up dated before you answered to show that what I did.
I'm sorry.
So when I said "pull it up", I meant from the dirt I had just planted it in.
I have been caring for it still in the dirt and it still looks very good.
I should just leave it and see what happens.
Looked like on the bottom there were little "stringy" looking things that looked like they could have been root beginnings but that could not be because that part was the part that broke off.
I think I am the one that's confused!
So no birder 17...you were not confused, it was my mistake that I did not update.
So, mezoe, you are going to leave the broken off piece in the soil? If it's doing good. I think that's a plan!
I am trying this method for the 1st time right now as well. I must have about 5 or 6 glasses of water full of dark opal and genovese basil that are on a table by the window. This is probably day 10 for some of my basil cuttings and yes, they already have roots. How long do the roots need to grow before you transplant? I would say the roots are no more than 3/4" right now, for the most part.
Also, would they need to go in pots or could I plant some in the ground? Thanks!
You can grow your rooted plants in the ground or in pots - outside as long as the temps are warm enough. Just be sure you have sufficient water and drainage. You know, it's been living in water.
I have looked into bringing basil in for our winter. It appears one can keep basil in your home, however, my research indicates you have to watch for bugs.
Has anyone grown basil in the house for winter use? I hate to give my basil up until next summer.
Thanks birder. I think I will plant most of my basil in pots and just bring them inside when the temps drop. Also, I did not realize pests would be an issue while they were inside, interesting.
I may plant one or two outside to see how they fare. I am heading to the plant files to see how frost-hardy basil is...
Basil is not frost hardy. It's too herbaceous. But, keep us posted on what you learn.
I grow it inside year round and it does fine. Usually gets very leggy by the end of the season, so I plant fresh each spring, but it does get me through the off season. Ditto curly parsley, though the Italian flat isn't very happy indoors.
Sequee, thanks for your in put. I am happy to hear one can grow basil inside through the winter. The basil I have in my garden is the large leaf basil. Do you think that would work? I am thinking smaller leaves would be better for inside growth.
I've grown Genovese and Monstrosa successfully indoor. The reds do ok, but are fussier and need more attention. And I am very hit and miss with my attention. The Genovese takes more neglect and even if it starts getting droopy, it will perk up with a little TLC. Amazing what a little occasional turning of the pot and watering will do!
I just start some seeds in cell packs under grow lights, and transplant into slightly larger pots as the plants grow. I've kept some really good-sized plants growing under grow lights, and so far--no problems with insects/pests (hope I haven't jinxed myself here).
I have healthy basil outside yet, but know it's going blow when it gets too cold. Today, we had 85* outside.
Sequee, I assume you are using your basil for cooking?
I also dug up my basil for the first time, potted and brought inside by a windowsill that gets indirect light from 2 ways (corner w/ 2 windows). It made it through winter, I replanted and here it is again. It doesn't look so great now so I'll start a piece in water and pot that one and keep over winter. Hmmm, now I'm seeing so many possibilities for west-facing windowsills... :)