How to prune basil

Every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season; immediately when flower buds appear. Cut the central stem back to just above the lowest pair of mature leaves, leaving at least one node. Remove any flower buds or spikes the moment they appear. Never strip all leaves from a stem — always leave two leaf pairs to feed regrowth. Use clean scissors or pinch with fingers.

Every 2-3 weeks. Basil must be pruned regularly to stay productive and delay flowering. Pinch out growing tips and flower buds as soon as they appear — once basil flowers (bolts) the leaves turn bitter and the plant declines. Always cut just above a pair of leaves; the plant will branch and produce fresh growth from that point.

Cut the central stem back to just above the lowest pair of mature leaves, leaving at least one node. Remove any flower buds or spikes the moment they appear. Never strip all leaves from a stem — always leave two leaf pairs to feed regrowth. Use clean scissors or pinch with fingers.