cutting basil

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wayfarers Washington, DC(Zone 6b) Jul 14, 2010

I posted this in the herb forum, but thought it was sort of a beginner's question too.

I have not cut back my basil plants as often as they could have been. They became a little woody, but were still great for two or three handfuls of leaves for making pesto or a salad. My question is how to cut it back after it gets woody stems. A neighbor cut it all the way back while I was away. I know that it comes back (she did the same thing last year) but it seams harsh. What should I tell her? She thinks what she did was a good thing. I'm not so sure.

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pirl (Arlene) Southold, NY(Zone 7a) Jul 14, 2010

Basil is programmed to go to seed by, I think, the 13th set of leaves so, no matter what you do, keep it from forming seed for the best taste.

Sometimes it's easier to just buy a new plant than try to revive one that's gone woody but cutting it back is a good thing. I agree with your neighbor.

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wayfarers Washington, DC(Zone 6b) Jul 14, 2010

Thanks pirl,
It's just that it was such a shocker. They look so pitiful. I'll be sure to cut it back more often after I plant it. lol

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pirl (Arlene) Southold, NY(Zone 7a) Jul 14, 2010

Yes, they do get that ghastly and frightening look when they've been cut back! So does Sage!

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wayfarers Washington, DC(Zone 6b) Jul 14, 2010

EEEK! Not my sage too!

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pirl (Arlene) Southold, NY(Zone 7a) Jul 14, 2010

Leave it alone if you like it as it is! Mine went to flower so it had to come down to a few inches tall. I always bring a branch or two in for winter use. It dries nicely.

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