Q&A for How to Harvest Basil

It is best to just pick a few leaves off of each plant. Simply pinch them off at the stem.

Don't pick all the leaves off one plant or cut off the entire stem. Instead, pinch off the small tips to help the plant fill out.

To cut fresh basil, use a sharp knife and cut the leaves as fine as you need to.

You can harvest basil at any time throughout the season. Keep in mind that it is better to harvest early in the morning.

Harvest your basil when the plant starts to flower. Just follow the stem back to where there are two leaves emerging from a node and cut just above that. That will encourage your plant to grow bushier and fuller.

Basil seeds (which are very tiny!) are found in the flower head. Cut off the flower once it is brown and let them dry in a warm and dry location. You can put the dried flowers in a paper bag and shake it, then crush it or simply crush them over a colander. Pick out the old petals and any chaff (protective casings of seeds) and keep your seeds until you are ready to plant.