The best time to pick basil is just before it flowers, in the cool of the morning, once the plant has at least six sets of true leaves.   When you pick basil at this precise moment, you’re getting the most flavorful and tender leaves possible.   If you’ve been wondering when to pick your … Read more

When to pick Thai basil is a question every gardener faces, and the answer is simpler than you think.   You can start picking Thai basil leaves as soon as the plant has enough growth to spare, usually about 6 to 8 weeks after sowing seeds.   The best time to pick Thai basil is … Read more

You should pick sweet basil leaves just before the plant flowers for the best flavor.   That’s the golden rule that most gardeners swear by for sweet basil.   But there’s a bit more to it than just timing, so let’s dig into the details.   When you pick sweet basil leaves at the right … Read more

The best time to pick purple basil is just before it flowers, usually in the morning after the dew has dried.   Knowing when to pick purple basil comes down to timing, and getting it right means you’ll enjoy the most flavorful and tender leaves all season long.   If you’ve been wondering when to … Read more

The best time to pick basil leaves for drying is just before the plant flowers, in the mid-morning after the dew has evaporated.   That’s the sweet spot for capturing peak essential oils and flavor, which is exactly what you want when you pick basil leaves for drying.   If you’ve been wondering when to … Read more

The best time to pick basil seeds is when the flower spikes have turned brown and dry, but before they shatter and scatter their tiny seeds on the ground.   This is the sweet spot where the seeds are fully mature, yet still clinging to the plant, making them easy for you to harvest.   … Read more