I think I over-pruned my basil. [brand new at this]

Somerville, MA

My basil plants were super leggy to the point that the tall ones weren't standing on their own. They were about 12/14 inches tall, and I wanted to make them bushier. Well, unfortunately the lowest leaves were still about 6 inches up from the soil. So I somehow got the bright idea to trim them down to about 4 inches, no leafs.

Are they doomed? For what it's worth, the stems seem healthy.

FYI: Organic soil, organic fertilizer, well-drained/moist, about 4-6 hours sunlight outdoors, 4 hours sun replicating light indoors.

Thumbnail by eXquared
Dublin, CA(Zone 9a)

They should sprout new leaves. Just be aware that while they don't have many leaves, they won't go through water as quickly as they did before so you'll need to be extra careful that you don't overwater them until they leaf out again.

Somerville, MA

OK, great. I watered the soil to saturation today (drained through). Should I be concerned/do something about it, or just call it quits for a while?

Thanks!

Dublin, CA(Zone 9a)

As long as it needed water, and as long as you make sure to let it dry out a bit before you water it again it ought to be OK.

Victoria, TX(Zone 9a)

They should be fine...........just keep an eye on them, basil grows quickly. I prune mine about once a week once they are the height I desire. And Yes.. let them dry out before watering.

That's cool.

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