Basil Propagation in Water
Basil is a key ingredient in my cooking so running out is problematic so I started propagating my own. Here are the basic steps:
- Choose stems that have no insect damage and have not bolted/bloomed like the Thai basil on the left.
- Cut stem at just below the node/leaf cluster.
- Trim off lower leaves leaving the top 3 or 4. Keep the trimmings to throw in a salad or cooked dish.
- Set cut end in tap water, changing every few days.
- Set the basil in a jar on a sunny window sill.
- It should show roots developing in 1 - 2 weeks. Longer roots will do better when you transfer to pots.
- After some serious roots are showing, (1″ or so) plant in well drained potting soil with 1/4 t. of a mycorrhizal inoculant root enhancer (ordered some through Amazon) which helps prevent transfer shock for water propagated plants.
This method worked well with some oregano we tried it on a month ago, too. Thrilled best describes my feelings when anything survives my gardening efforts. Give this a shot, have some fun with it - we did and have a perpetual basil supply...nice.
Kevin/Epic Gardening is a great resource for home gardening advice. Here is a link to his youtube channel -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD9CIQ7ynOc&t=71s
Photo: Left to right - Thai basil, Italian basil
When I’m not serving up healthy meals to my family, I’m sewing cotton pocket aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads and www.amazon.com/handmade/topdrawerthreads .
Or I’m merrily working upcycled yarns into knitted hats for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .
My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew colorful stretch knit leggings in size x small to 2X.
My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she pairs colors and textures to hand knit into lovely striped afghans to curl up into.
My younger daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags - where she crochets upcycled yarns into mushroom inspired neck pouches.














