Basil plants grow bigger and tastier leaves with 1 easy task that takes 5 seconds

Growing basil is usually pretty easy, but many people struggle to get their plants to grow big and bushy. However, there’s a simple method you can do to ensure your basil is healthy

Basil is easy to maintain, so it’s commonly left unattended in a pot. However, for proper growth, a simple task is required.

When the weather warms up, basil may start to flower, meaning it starts to produce rather than growing bigger leaves

This leads to smaller, tougher leaves with an undesirable bitter taste, rendering them unsuitable for use in cooking. But according to Cynthia from Grow Better Veggies, regular pinching helps encourage fuller, sweeter leaves.

Cynthia explained: “I’ve talked to loads of people who seem to have trouble with basil. They plant it out in their herb garden or kitchen garden, and find that it never gets very big or bushy.

“The key to its success is pinch, pinch, pinching. Even at this very young age, we pinch off the top. No scissors or clippers required, the growing tip is easily removed with just your fingernails.”

Though it might seem odd, this technique of pinching prevents premature flowering and maintains the plant’s focus on producing luscious leaves, reports the Express.

By continually directing its energy into leaf growth, basil leaves remain tender and more flavourful.

As basil is an annual plant, it starts dying after flowering, so delaying blooming ensures the plant stays healthy and extends its lifespan.

Not only does this make the leaves larger, but it also encourages the plant to sprout more side shoots, resulting in a much larger harvest.

How to cultivate larger basil leaves

To pinch basil, look for the leaf nodes, which will appear as a bump in the centre of the main stem where two leaves are growing opposite each other.

Use your fingers to snap off the stem growing above the leaves. Avoid touching the leaves as they will develop into new basil branches.

In summer, it is quite common for basil to flower, so ensure to inspect your plant at least once a week for any new bumps to remove any buds.

If you see a lot of flowers on basil, you may need to consider buying a new plant or taking a cutting. Basil is in its final life stage and will only survive for a few more weeks.

Taking the time to perform this very quick and easy task will significantly improve the health of your basil, regardless of whether you grow it inside the kitchen or out in the garden.