Cutting basil plants is one of the major strategies for growing large, thick bushes. Many gardeners are afraid to cut their plants in case it may cause damage to their plants and reduce productivity.
But the reality is that pruning plants as basil helps us have it fresh, and we can save it for the future by freezing. Let’s have a look to know how to properly cut basil plants. 
When we are ready to cut basil plants, it does not even matter where it grows. If anyone is growing the plants in pots or the garden beds, the pruning system will be the same for them.
Clipping basil plants regularly is equally beneficial for every variation of basil plants. It is a simple and easy garden chore which creates a huge impact on plants.
Table Of Contents - Click To Expand Or Hide -->
Initial Seedling Planting of Basil Plants
The basil seedlings can sprout after growing from the soil (7-14 days). After that it starts growing more and more day by day.
Basil Plant Growth And Flowering
Basil plants generate flowers and leave very rapidly. Having massive growth of the leaves from the stem’s cells, Basil plants can reach approximately twenty-four inches within three to four months. Therefore, you can start producing crops after seven to eight weeks.
Basil plants have a very special growth system that is generated from stem cells. When we start clipping, the single central branch divides into multiple branches.
During the very beginning of the planting, it starts blooming. Basil plants can produce purple or white colored flowers in the garden. After completing the flowering period, the branches of basil plants become prickly.
Things you need to know about cutting basil plants: People may cut their basil plants for various purposes. Here we have accumulated some primary causes that may cut basil plants.
Harvesting Your Basil For Recipes In Your Kitchen
This is one of the most common reasons gardeners cut basil plants. When people want to use them as kitchen elements, they cut basil plants branches. It can be used in toppings, sauce, and salads.
Promoting Ongoing Growth Of Your Basil Plant
Many people assume that cutting a branch of a plant is harmful and can damage its productivity. But honestly, this is the best way to get vast and bushy plants. When you cut a branch or stem from the plants, it creates pressure in other stems to grow more. After getting the new stems, you can trim them up and increase your plant production.
Removing Flowers From Your Basil Plant
Most of the basil plants do generate flowers. It attracts bees and other insects. But flower production often reduces seedling production. As a result, the plant will lose its leaves. Soon it will become sterile and unproductive. Many gardeners use the slow flowering variation of basil plants to avoid the situation. There are some mutations where basil blooms its flowers in eight weeks differences. So, cutting basil flowers can be a good option who wants to have a good harvest on their plants.
The Don’ts for Cutting Basil Plants
Before I mention the do’s for cutting basil plants, it’s mandatory to know the don’ts. Don’t remove any individual leave during harvesting. This does not help plants to grow at all. When you are about to cut basil plants, try to cut them from the upper section of the branches. 
Don’t just randomly pluck or squeeze any leaf from the trees. When you are plucking a leaf from the unwanted location of a tree, it creates a situation of not growing properly. Never prune or cut many leaves at a time or big leaves from the basil plant. Because ultimately, it will create a hindrance to absorb sunlight, and the plant won’t make food for itself. Eventually, it will die. On the other hand, it can be too tall but unhealthy and may generate sprouts with having many leaves on it.
How To Properly Cut Basil Plants
For cutting basil plants, you can use needle nose pliers, herb cutters, or you can use your fingers. Using trimmers would be great because you can cut the smallest, lightest herbs by using them. However, during removing flower buds or squeezing top sprouts of the plant, I prefer to use fingers. But if you want to cut the back of the plant smoothly, you will need a trimmer or cutter to avoid damage to the leaves.
For the safest way to cut your plant, you may select a special trimmer or cutter for it. Of course, you can use plain scissors too. But you must make sure that the tools you are using to prune the basil plants are not in touch with any germs. Because it infects the whole plant, you should clean the garden tools like scissors and trimmers and your hands every time you use them before cutting the branches. It will ensure the safety of your plant. 
Do a deep observation of your plant before starting the trimming. You must cut central shoots downward to the lower cluster of leaves where the plant may have flowers. Pinnacles emerge from the parent leaf. You will easily identify them. After selecting the cutting area, do cut the primary stem about ¼ inch backward upon the leaf blooms. You can cut a few leaves to add some flavor to your meal, or you can cut and preserve stems appropriately for making food paste or topping in the future.
When we hear the name of the basil plant, it gives us a foody vibe. Because many of us use basil plants in our pizza salads for meals, they can be used in numerous dishes. As a result, this plant is recognized as one of the most popular herbs in the world.
Basil plants don’t survive properly in extreme cold situations. So, in the freezing temperature, you must cover the basil plants properly, and it will be alright until the spring season occurs. Basil leaves are also susceptible. So, try to touch them gently with your hand or any tools. When watering, you may try to water it from the bottom so the sensitive leave may not directly get in touch with water. To help in harvesting, you may work on pruning and trimming after a certain amount of time.
Final Thoughts On Cutting Basil From Your Herb Garden
The Basil plant is a very gardening-friendly plant. It is usually placed in the garden or kitchen area as it needs the warmth of sun, light, and water. You can easily generate some healthy basil plants with adequate care and cutting techniques. And you will be able to use the leaves for making extra pesto toppings to use in different dishes. Have a favorite tip for bountiful harvests of Basil? Be sure to share your experiences in the comments.
