What To Do With Basil Plants In The Winter

What to do with basil plants in the winter is a question every herb lover faces when the first frost threatens their precious leaves.

The short answer is that you have several solid options, from bringing basil plants indoors to preserving your harvest for months of future meals.
 
Basil is a tender annual that simply cannot survive freezing temperatures, so your actions before the cold hits determine whether you’ll enjoy fresh basil all winter long.
 
In this post, we’ll explore all the best approaches for what to do with basil plants in the winter, including overwintering techniques, indoor growing tips, and preservation methods that lock in that amazing flavor.
 
Let’s dig in and make sure your basil plant in winter becomes a source of joy instead of a sad, wilted memory.
 

Bringing Basil Plants Indoors For The Winter

When you’re deciding what to do with basil plants in the winter, the most popular choice is to bring them inside before temperatures dip below 50°F.
 
Basil plants can thrive indoors if you give them the right conditions, and they’ll reward you with fresh leaves for salads, pasta, and pesto throughout the cold months.
 
The key is to transition your basil plant in winter carefully so it doesn’t go into shock from the sudden change in environment.
 

1. Dig Up And Pot Your Basil Plants

If your basil is growing in the garden, gently dig up the entire plant, roots and all, and transplant it into a clean pot with fresh potting soil.
 
Water it thoroughly and place it in a spot that receives at least six hours of bright light each day.
 
This method works best with younger, healthier basil plants rather than older woody ones that may not bounce back as well.
 

2. Take Cuttings For Easy Overwintering

Another great approach for what to do with basil plants in the winter is to take cuttings from your healthiest stems.
 
Snip a four to six inch piece just below a leaf node, strip off the lower leaves, and place the cutting in a glass of water.
 
Roots should appear within a week or two, and once they’re about an inch long, transfer the cutting to a small pot with soil.
 
This gives you several new basil plants that are compact and perfect for indoor growing.
 

3. Provide The Right Light And Warmth

Even a sunny south facing window might not be enough light for your basil plant in winter, especially in northern climates.
 
Consider adding a grow light to ensure your basil gets the intense light it craves, and keep the room temperature between 65 and 75°F.
 
Basil hates cold drafts and sudden temperature swings, so pick a spot away from doors and windows that leak chilly air.
 
If you notice your basil getting leggy and pale, it’s almost always a sign that it needs more light.
 

4. Pinch And Harvest Regularly

To keep your indoor basil bushy and productive, pinch off the top sets of leaves every couple of weeks.
 
This encourages the plant to branch out and prevents it from flowering and becoming bitter.
 
Regular harvesting is the best answer for what to do with basil plants in the winter if you want a continuous supply of flavorful leaves.
 
Just never remove more than a third of the plant at once, and always cut just above a pair of leaves.
 

Preserving Your Basil Harvest For Winter Use

If bringing basil plants indoors seems like too much effort, or if you have more basil than you can possibly grow inside, preservation is your next best option.
 
There are several ways to store your basil harvest so you can enjoy that sweet, peppery flavor even when the ground is frozen solid.
 
Let’s look at the most effective methods for what to do with basil plants in the winter when you’re dealing with a large harvest.
 

1. Freeze Basil Leaves In Olive Oil

Freezing basil is one of the simplest and most flavorful preservation methods.
 
Chop the leaves coarsely and pack them into ice cube trays, then cover them with olive oil and freeze.
 
Once solid, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag for up to six months.
 
These basil oil cubes are perfect for tossing into soups, sauces, or sautés for an instant burst of summer flavor.
 

2. Make And Freeze Pesto

Pesto is arguably the most delicious answer to what to do with basil plants in the winter.
 
Blend fresh basil with garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil, then freeze it in small jars or ice cube trays.
 
You’ll have ready made pesto for pasta, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables all winter long.
 
Just leave out the cheese if you want to keep it dairy free, and add it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
 

3. Dry Basil For Long Term Storage

Drying basil is a classic technique, though it does change the flavor profile slightly.
 
You can air dry small bunches by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry, well ventilated area, or use a dehydrator for faster results.
 
Once fully dry, crumble the leaves into an airtight jar and store them in a cool, dark place.
 
Dried basil will last for about a year, and while it’s not as vibrant as fresh, it’s still a fantastic way to use your basil plant in winter recipes.
 

4. Blend Basil Into Butter Or Vinegar

For a more creative twist, blend fresh basil leaves into softened butter and freeze the mixture in logs.
 
Basil butter is amazing on grilled meats, corn on the cob, or crusty bread.
 
Similarly, you can stuff a bottle with fresh basil and fill it with white wine vinegar, then let it infuse for a couple of weeks.
 
The resulting basil vinegar makes incredible salad dressings and marinades.
 

Common Mistakes To Avoid With Basil In Winter

As you decide what to do with basil plants in the winter, it helps to know what not to do so you don’t waste your precious harvest.
 
There are a few pitfalls that trip up even experienced gardeners, so let’s walk through the most common ones.
 

1. Bringing Inside A Pest Infested Plant

Before moving any basil plant indoors, inspect it thoroughly for aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies.
 
These pests can spread to your other houseplants and cause a nightmare.
 
Rinse the leaves with a gentle stream of water and treat with insecticidal soap if you see any bugs.
 

2. Overwatering Your Indoor Basil

Basil plants in containers indoors are prone to root rot if you water them too often.
 
Always check the top inch of soil, and only water when it feels dry to the touch.
 
Make sure your pot has good drainage holes, and never let the plant sit in standing water.
 

3. Letting Basil Flower And Go To Seed

When basil flowers, the leaves become tough and lose their intense flavor.
 
If you spot flower buds forming, pinch them off immediately to keep the plant focused on producing those tasty leaves.
 
This is one of the most important rules for what to do with basil plants in the winter, whether they’re indoors or preserved.
 

4. Storing Dried Basil Incorrectly

Dried basil is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, all of which degrade its flavor quickly.
 
Store it in an opaque, airtight container away from your stove and any heat sources.
 
Check periodically for signs of moisture buildup, and if you see any clumping, use the basil immediately or re-dry it.
 

So, What To Do With Basil Plants In The Winter?

What to do with basil plants in the winter comes down to your personal preference and how much basil you have on hand.
 
You can bring your basil plants indoors and keep them growing happily on a sunny windowsill, or you can preserve your harvest by freezing, drying, or blending it into delicious pantry staples.
 
Basil plants in winter don’t have to be a sad story, they can be the start of months of incredible homemade meals.
 
Whether you choose to grow fresh basil inside or savor your frozen pesto in the middle of January, you’ll be glad you took action before the frost arrived.
 
Pick the method that sounds best to you, and start enjoying your basil all year round.