Growing basil is easy in a sunny spot, either in the ground or in containers. Then, once you know how to harvest basil, you can harvest some leaves whenever you need to add flavor to your next meal.

Growing basil costs much less than buying fresh basil at the grocery store. You can also grow interesting varieties, such as Thai basil and lemon basil, which offer exciting flavor differences. Whichever type of basil you add to your garden, the key to getting the most out of this herb is knowing how to harvest basil leaves without damaging or killing the plant. Here's the best way to harvest and store fresh basil.

When to Harvest Basil

Whether you start basil from seeds or buy a young plant, the best time to harvest basil depends on the size of your plant. You'll know the time is right when the plant has unfurled at least four sets of leaves. Your basil plant should be between 6 and 8 inches tall before you harvest its leaves. If you know when the plant was seeded, you can count on the basil being ready for harvest 60 to 70 days later.

The best time of day to harvest basil is in the morning after the dew has evaporated from the plants. And when cold weather arrives again after the summer, harvest your basil before a frost kills the plant. You can also move your basil plants inside your home by a sunny window or under a grow light to keep them going into winter.

How to Harvest Basil Leaves

Basil is a fast-growing herb that produces plenty of flavorful foliage. When you only need a few, the best way to harvest basil leaves is to pinch off each leaf at its base, where the leaf meets the stem. Start harvesting basil leaves from the top of the plant, where more foliage will quickly fill in. If you harvest the bottom leaves first, the plant will likely look leggy and thin. For the most flavorful basil leaves, harvest them before the flowers appear.

How to Harvest Basil Stems

When you want to harvest more than just a few leaves at a time, you can remove full stems of basil by trimming the plant from the top down with a small pair of scissors. Aim to cut the stems about ¼-inch above a node (the point where the plant's leaves and side shoots emerge). Remove no more than a third of the plant's total height at a time so that you'll be able to harvest more newly developed basil leaves in two to three weeks.

To encourage your basil plant to continue growing more leaves throughout the summer, trim away the flower buds before they blossom. Basil cuttings are also easy to root in water to start new plants.

How to Store Fresh Basil

The best way to store fresh basil for a few days is to clip the sprigs and treat them like fresh-cut flowers: place them in water at room temperature for up to five days. Basil should not be refrigerated because it quickly turns brown in cold temperatures. You can also dry basil leaves and enjoy them any time of year. Freezing basil is another option if you want to add basil at any time to soups, casseroles, breakfast skillets, and more.

How to Use Fresh Basil Leaves

Growing basil right outside your door is a must for enjoying this herb's full flavor, either fresh or cooked. After harvesting basil, toss a handful of leaves on top of a pizza or garnish your favorite pasta dish. Also, add a basil leaf or two to lemonade to make a refreshing treat.