Basil is used in various meals due to its outstanding aroma and intriguing flavor. The oils exhibited by this herb blends in with foods and makes it a piquant addition to different cuisines. For this reason, it has become the most popular home grown herb in the world.

The summer-loving herb has a complex aroma of a blend of fresh greens with hints of floral sweetness. It makes the perfect toppings with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese! The usage of basil is expanded into many continental cuisines, and can be used fresh or dried, making it a homegrown herb for many food lovers. It is an easy plant to grow indoors or outdoors. But the only problem is many people end up ruining the herb by plucking or pruning the plant incorrectly.

The seed of the basil plant needs to be planted no deeper than twice the length of the seed, and be kept at a 12-inch distance. The plant should be kept in the sun as this plant thrives in the hot weather. The basil seedling reaps within 5 to 7 days.

 

When the plant grows 6-inches tall, the leaves should be trimmed. Pruning is important for the basil plant as it makes this plant leafier and bushier. Pinching back the stems to the next leaf cluster does pruning properly. You have to cut the stem along with the cluster and not leave behind a large stem on the leaf when you prune. This keeps the plant from getting leggy, and it stimulates new growth. Never prune more than one-third of the basil plant at once, even if your meal requires that much amount.

 

When flowers grow from the plant, pick them out so that the energy stays diverted to the foliage growth instead. A flowered basil plant begins to seed and makes the plant to stop growing. Pick out leaves form the top if the plant grows vertical so that lateral growth is encouraged. The leaves that you pinch should be dried and used. Basil leave regrow quickly so trimming should not worry you!