Pruning guide
How to prune african blue basil
More african blue basil care
Pruning african blue basil — FAQ
When should I prune african blue basil?
Tip-pinch lightly in spring to encourage branching; deadhead spent flower spikes as desired for tidiness. Pinch growing tips or cut stems back by one-quarter to a leaf node to promote bushiness. Spent flower spikes can be removed at their base for tidiness, or left for bees. Hard-prune by one-third in early spring in frost-free gardens to rejuvenate the plant.
How often does african blue basil need pruning?
Light tip-pinching monthly; harder rejuvenation prune annually in spring. African Blue basil is a sterile hybrid perennial (in frost-free climates) that is more bolt-tolerant than other basils. Its purple flower spikes are highly attractive to pollinators and can be left on the plant. Light tip pinching keeps it tidy and promotes bushiness, but unlike annual basils, it does not go to seed and decline — it is more forgiving if you skip deadheading.
How do you prune african blue basil?
Pinch growing tips or cut stems back by one-quarter to a leaf node to promote bushiness. Spent flower spikes can be removed at their base for tidiness, or left for bees. Hard-prune by one-third in early spring in frost-free gardens to rejuvenate the plant.