How to Grow and Propagate Grocery Store Basil: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Basil is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta sauces to salads. It’s also a popular choice for indoor and outdoor herb gardens. If you’re looking for a way to save money and get the most out of your basil, learning how to repot and propagate grocery store basil is a great option.
Repotting Grocery Store Basil
Grocery store basil plants are often sold in small pots with several densely packed plants. This can lead to cramped conditions that can stunt the growth of the basil. To improve the health of your basil plants, it’s important to repot them into individual containers.
Materials you’ll need:
- Small containers (3-4 inches in diameter)
- High-quality potting mix
- Watering can or spray bottle
Instructions:
- Remove the basil plant from the grocery store pot.
- Gently separate the roots of the basil plants.
- Fill the individual containers with potting mix.
- Place the basil roots into the containers and gently backfill them with soil.
- Water the containers well.
- Move the basil plants outdoors into a sheltered location or windowsill.
- Continue watering the basil plants until they become well-established.
Propagating Grocery Store Basil
Once your grocery store basil plants have grown to a large enough size, you can also propagate them through cuttings. This is a great way to get even more basil plants for free.
Materials you’ll need:
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Containers filled with soil or water
Instructions:
- Cut 4-6 inch cuttings from the stems of your basil plants.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the cuttings.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone (optional).
- Place the cuttings in containers filled with soil or water.
- If using soil, keep the cuttings moist but not soggy.
- If using water, change the water every few days.
- The cuttings will root in 1-2 weeks.
- Once the cuttings have rooted, you can transplant them into individual containers.
Tips for Growing and Propagating Grocery Store Basil
- Pinch or cut the basil plants regularly to encourage bushier growth.
- Water the basil plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilize the basil plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Protect the basil plants from pests and diseases.
- Bring the basil plants indoors during the winter months if you live in a cold climate.
Conclusion
Repotting and propagating grocery store basil is a great way to save money and get the most out of your basil plants. By following the tips in this article, you can grow healthy and beautiful basil plants that will provide you with fresh herbs for years to come.
