Basils in Bristol

Late summer is a good time to take cuttings from an established basil plant (about 10 cm long). Make the cut just below a leaf node using clean scissors or pruners. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, then place the cut end into a glass of water (or a small pot of moist compost). Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. After 1-2 weeks, you should see roots starting to form at the cut end.

Once the cuttings have developed roots a few centimetres long, pot each one into its own container. Use small pots filled with fresh, peat-free multipurpose compost. Plant the rooted cutting gently into the compost and firm it in. Water the newly potted basil and keep it in a warm, light spot (but sheltered from harsh sun) to help it settle in. Soon the cutting will resume growth as a new basil plant.

If frost is approaching, be sure to keep your basil cuttings indoors as they grow. Basil cannot survive freezing temperatures, so maintain them on a warm, sunny windowsill through the autumn and winter. Keep watering when the topsoil feels dry, but avoid overwatering in the cooler, darker months. By keeping your basil plants alive indoors, you'll have a head start with larger plants once spring arrives.