Basil Week 5...Any Advice

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vj2651 Chicago, IL Jun 21, 2011

Any thoughts on Basil plant? I started it from seed and its growing indoors from a 100 watt light. Should I pinch top off so it can get bushier? Thanks in advance

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bookreader451 Troy, NY(Zone 5b) Jun 21, 2011

Yes pinch it down to the double set of leaves below. The more you cut or pinch the more it grows.

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pirl (Arlene) Southold, NY(Zone 7a) Jun 21, 2011

Is it possible for you to put it outside starting with shade and gradually working up to sunshine? The best flavor is obtained via sunshine. Do not allow it to flower!

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vj2651 Chicago, IL Jun 21, 2011

Thanks bookreader451, I will pinch the very top off. I'm assuming you mean just the top and not the top two set of leaves.

Pirl, I don't really have the option to leave it outside. My window does get decent sunshine. Should I leave it on the windowsill?

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bookreader451 Troy, NY(Zone 5b) Jun 22, 2011

Pinch it down to the new growth farther down. Cut the main stem all the way down to the bottom growth. Harvest and use it and it will just keep on going. Basil will get woody if you don't keep cutting. I grow several different kinds of basil and I just keep cutting. What I can't use right away I dry for the winter.

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pirl (Arlene) Southold, NY(Zone 7a) Jun 22, 2011

vj - yes, the windowsill sounds like the best idea.

Bookreader is right. Cut it, use it and enjoy it because it really will get woody.

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vj2651 Chicago, IL Jun 22, 2011

Thanks I cut the plant down and put it on the windowsill.

A quick newbie questions. What does getting woody mean?

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pirl (Arlene) Southold, NY(Zone 7a) Jun 22, 2011

The main stem looks woody - more like an old branch on a tree rather than nice green new growth you'd see at the end of a branch.

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