How to Grow Basil from Cuttings (Indoors or Outdoors) – Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

If you’re looking for the fastest and most reliable way to grow basil at home, skip the seeds and start with cuttings.

A healthy basil stem can grow roots in just 5–10 days, allowing you to multiply your plants with almost no equipment. This method works year-round, indoors or outdoors, and gives you a head start on harvesting flavorful, leafy growth—without waiting weeks for germination.

Related reading:
How to grow basil indoors year-round
How long does basil take to grow
How to grow basil indoors
Grow bushy basil in containers

What You’ll Need to Propagate Basil Cuttings

Tool	Purpose
Sharp scissors or garden shears	To make clean 45° cuts
Clean jar or glass	Rooting container
Non-chlorinated water	Promotes healthy root growth
Optional: rooting hormone	Speeds up root formation
Small pots and potting mix	For transplanting later

Tip: Let water sit for 24 hours to remove chlorine, or use filtered water. Learn more about basil soil requirements and how to create a DIY potting mix.

Step-by-Step: How to Take the Perfect Basil Cutting

1. Choose a healthy basil stem, 4–6 inches long, with 2–3 leaf nodes.
2. Avoid flowering stems. Here’s how to prevent bolting.
3. Cut just below a leaf node at a 45° angle.
4. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving the top 1–2 clusters.
5. Optionally dip the end in rooting hormone.

📌 Why it matters: Nodes are where roots form. A clean, angled cut helps root growth.

How to Root Basil Cuttings in Water

1. Fill a clean jar with room-temperature, non-chlorinated water.
2. Submerge the stem so leaf nodes are underwater but leaves are above.
3. Place in bright, indirect light (avoid harsh sun).
4. Change water every 2–3 days.
5. Wait 5–10 days until roots are at least 2 inches long.

Tip: Water propagation is beginner-friendly and provides visibility. Soil works too, but requires humidity control. Monitor for signs of basil root rot during this phase.

How to Plant Rooted Basil Cuttings in Soil

1. Wait until roots are at least 2 inches long.
2. Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil.
3. Make a hole in the soil, place the cutting, and cover the roots.
4. Press soil gently and water thoroughly.

Tip: Cover with a plastic dome or bag for the first few days to ease transplant shock. Then follow our basil watering schedule to keep your plant healthy.

Caring for Basil Cuttings During Growth

• Provide 6–8 hours of light daily (sunlight or grow light).
• Keep soil moist but not soggy. Wilting?
• Maintain temperature around 70°F.
• Ensure airflow to prevent fungal issues.

Common Mistakes

• Submerging leaves in water
• Letting water stagnate
• Overcrowding
• Ignoring yellow or mushy stems — here’s why your basil turns brown

Harvesting & Long-Term Basil Maintenance

• Harvest once plants reach 6–8 inches tall.
• Always cut above a leaf pair to encourage bushy growth.
• Don’t harvest more than 1/3 of the plant at once.
• Prune regularly to delay flowering.

FAQs – Growing Basil from Cuttings

How long does it take basil cuttings to root?

Typically 5–10 days in water.

Should I root basil in water or soil?

Water is easier for beginners. Soil can work with added care.

Can basil grow in water forever?

Yes, but soil-grown basil is usually more productive.

When is it too late to take cuttings?

Late fall is not ideal unless grown indoors with heat and light.

Why do basil cuttings rot in water?

Typically due to dirty water or submerged leaves.

Can I propagate all types of basil this way?

Yes — sweet, Thai, lemon, and more respond well to cuttings.

Should I use rooting hormone?

Optional. Useful in cold or low-light environments.

Final Thoughts: One Cutting = Unlimited Basil

Propagation from cuttings is an easy and sustainable way to grow basil indoors or outdoors. It’s fast, rewarding, and requires minimal supplies. Try it today and enjoy a fresh, endless supply of aromatic basil leaves.

More reading:
How to propagate basil
How to repot basil from the supermarket