How to Plant Basil in Water

Are you interested in growing basil in water? This method is ideal if you lack space or want to save money. In this article, we’ll show you a step-by-step process on how to plant basil in water.

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

The first thing you need to do when planting basil in water is to prepare the materials. You will need:

Basil cuttings

Glass jars (or any container with a wide mouth)

Water

Scissors

Step 2: Get the Basil Cuttings

The next step is to get the basil cuttings. Cut a 4-6 inch branch from a healthy, mature basil plant. Make sure that the basil is insect and disease-free. Remove the leaves from the bottom and leave only a few at the top.

Step 3: Fill the Jars with Water

Fill the jars with water until the level is about 1-2 inches above the cuttings. Make sure that the stems are submerged and the leaves are not touching the water to prevent rotting. Using tap water is fine, but some recommend using filtered water or allowing tap water to sit for a day to dissipate any chemicals.

Step 4: Place the Basil Cuttings in the Jars

Place the basil cuttings in the jars and position them in a bright location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The basil cuttings will start to grow roots in just one to two weeks. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

Step 5: Transplanting the Basil Cuttings

When the basil cuttings have grown some roots (around two inches), transfer them to soil. Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with good quality potting soil. Dig a hole in the soil and place the basil cuttings in it. Cover the roots with soil and gently press down the soil around the stem.

Tips for Growing Basil in Water

To increase the chances of success, here are some tips for growing basil in water:

Choose a healthy basil plant to cut from.

Avoid cutting from a basil plant that has already flowered.

Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.

If the leaves turn yellow, remove them to prevent the rot from spreading.

When transplanting to soil, make sure that the soil is moist but not soaking wet.

Conclusively, growing basil in water is a fun and easy way to enjoy fresh herbs from the comfort of your home. Following these simple steps can help you grow healthy and delicious basil plants that you can use in various dishes.