Friday, July 11, 2025

How to Grow an Endless Supply of Basil from One Supermarket Plant

Imagine never running out of fresh, aromatic basil again — all from a single plant you bought at the supermarket or garden center! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, growing basil at home is easy, rewarding, budget-friendly and easier than you can think.......

                                                                Credit: Pixabay.com

If you’re craving fresh basil for your kitchen but tired of buying it repeatedly from the store, why not grow your own? This simple guide will show you how to turn one supermarket basil plant into a thriving, never-ending supply — no fancy tools or experience needed.


Step 1: Choose a Healthy Basil Plant

Look for a vibrant, leafy basil plant with deep green leaves and sturdy stems. Avoid yellow or wilted plants — fresh starts give you the best results.

                                                                 Credit: Pixabay.com


Step 2: Propagate Basil Cuttings in Water

Snip 4–6-inch stems just below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves to prevent rot, then place cuttings in a glass of clean water. Keep in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. Within 7–14 days, roots will start to grow.

Basil cuttings rooting in water — a sunny windowsill speeds up the process!

Credit: Amazingherbgarden.com

Step 3: Plant Your Rooted Cuttings

Once roots reach about 2 inches, pot your basil in well-draining soil. Basil thrives in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of light daily. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.

                                                               Credit: Pixabay.com


Step 4: Harvest and Encourage Growth

Basil grows fast! Pinch back leaves regularly to promote bushier growth and prevent flowering, which makes leaves bitter. Harvest leaves as needed but never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.

                                                                 Credit: Pexels.com


Troubleshooting Tips for Growing Basil

  • Leaves turning yellow? Check for overwatering or poor drainage.

  • Leggy or sparse growth? Basil needs more light — try a sunnier spot.

  • Flowers appearing early? Pinch off flower buds promptly to keep plants bushy.


Download Your Free Basil Care Cheatsheet!

For a handy quick-reference guide with all these steps plus bonus tips, grab the Basil Care Cheatsheet below. Perfect for printing or saving on your phone!

Download Your Free Basil Care Cheatsheet here.


Ready to start your basil-growing journey? Grab a supermarket basil plant today and follow these easy steps. Don’t forget to share your progress — I'd love to hear about it!

                                                            Image Credit: Pixabay.com

Happy Gardening!

The Grey-Haired Gardener🌸
Grey hair, green thumb, garden savvy
thegreyhairedgardener.blogspot.com


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