Basil is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow, and propagating it is a simple way to multiply your harvest without buying new plants.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to propagate basil using cuttings, water rooting, and seed starting, along with helpful tips for indoor and outdoor growing.
Whether you’re building a kitchen herb garden or filling outdoor containers, this guide will help you grow lush, fragrant basil from just a few stems.
Table of Contents
What Makes Basil Special
Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
Native habitat: India, Southeast Asia, and tropical regions of Africa
Basil is a fast-growing, aromatic herb best known for its glossy leaves and sweet, peppery fragrance.
It thrives in warm temperatures and has dozens of cultivars, each with distinct leaf shapes, flavors, and colors.
Because basil roots so easily in water or soil, it’s a fantastic plant for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
Best Time To Propagate Basil
The best time to propagate basil is during the warmer months, typically late spring through summer.
Basil loves warmth, so aim for daytime temperatures above 21°C (70°F) and avoid propagating outdoors when nighttime temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F).
If you’re propagating indoors, you can root basil any time of year as long as the plant gets enough light and warmth.
How To Propagate Basil From Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the fastest and most reliable method to clone your favorite basil variety.
Here’s how to do it:
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Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem that’s at least 4–6 inches long.
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Using clean scissors or pruners, cut just below a node (where the leaves emerge).
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Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two sets intact.
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Dip the cut end in rooting hormone if desired, though it’s optional for basil.
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Plant the cutting in a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix.
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Press the soil gently around the stem and water lightly.
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Keep the cutting in a warm, bright spot out of direct sun until roots form.
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Mist occasionally to maintain humidity, or cover with a clear dome or plastic bag.
Rooting typically takes 7 to 10 days.
Once roots are established, transplant into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Water Propagation For Basil
Water rooting is a fun and visually rewarding way to propagate basil.
It’s ideal for windowsill gardeners or anyone short on soil space.
Here’s how to root basil in water:
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Take a 4–6 inch cutting just below a node and strip off the lower leaves.
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Place the stem in a glass of clean, room-temperature water.
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Make sure no leaves are submerged to prevent rot.
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Keep the glass in bright, indirect light (like a windowsill).
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Change the water every 2–3 days to keep it fresh.
Bonus tip: Add a drop or two of organic liquid fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio (like 5-5-5 like this one) to encourage faster root development.
In about a week, you’ll see white roots forming.
Wait until the roots are at least 2 inches long before transplanting into soil.
Be gentle when planting to avoid damaging the tender new roots.
How To Grow Basil From Seed
Seed starting is a budget-friendly way to grow a variety of basil types at once.
Follow these steps for successful germination:
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Fill seed trays or small pots with a light seed-starting mix.
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Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep, lightly covering them with soil.
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Water gently using a spray bottle or fine mist to avoid disturbing the seeds.
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Cover with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
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Place the trays in a warm, sunny spot or under grow lights.
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Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Seeds usually germinate in 5–10 days.
Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them out or transplant into larger pots.
Outdoor Propagation Tips For Basil
If you live in USDA zones 9–11, you can propagate basil outdoors from spring through early fall.
Choose a warm, sheltered spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sun.
Avoid planting cuttings in the ground until temperatures are consistently above 18°C (65°F).
Keep the soil slightly moist during the rooting process, and use row covers if temperatures dip at night.
In cooler zones, you can still root basil cuttings outdoors in containers — just bring them inside if cold weather is expected.
Final Thoughts
Basil propagation is incredibly rewarding and requires little more than a few healthy stems and a bit of care.
Whether you’re starting a herb garden from scratch or expanding your favorite variety, stem cuttings and water propagation give you fast, satisfying results.
Add a little liquid feed to your water propagation, keep your environment warm and bright, and you’ll have new basil plants in no time.
Once rooted, you’ll enjoy a never-ending supply of fresh leaves for pasta, pesto, and beyond.
Be sure to read our care guide Basil Plant Care: How to Grow This Fragrant Culinary Herb Indoors and Out for detailed instructions on growing this herb.