Express.co.uk
Basil will grow 'gigantic and leafy' if gardeners do 1 key task now
Basil plants have the potential to grow really big and bushy if they're cared for correctly, and to make yours flourish, one job is worth doing.
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Unlock Your Green Thumb: The Secret to Endless Basil Revealed by Gardening Pros
Gardening Experts Reveal Simple Trick for Bountiful Basil Harvests A recent video by popular gardening channel Epic Gardening has highlighted a straightforward yet often overlooked technique for cultivating lush, productive basil plants. The method, demonstrated by the channel's host, focuses on strategic pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent premature flowering. According to the expert, basil plants naturally tend to grow tall and gangly, but this can be counteracted with precise cuts. "When you cut that main stem just above where leaves meet the stem, you’re telling the plant 'nah bro, go wide instead of tall,'" the host explained. This action redirects the plant's energy into side shoots, leading to a significantly denser foliage. The video further stressed the critical importance of preventing basil from flowering. "Once basil starts making flowers, it’s basically checking out mentally, putting all its energy into making seeds instead of those tasty leaves you actually want," the expert cautioned. "The leaves get small and bitter, like the plant is giving you attitude. Cut those flower buds off before they even think about blooming." By consistently applying these pruning and flower-removal techniques, gardeners can ensure a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful basil, transforming even a small plant into a "massive, leafy beast" that yields throughout the growing season. The advice has resonated with viewers, garnering significant attention for its practical and effective approach to herb cultivation.
