5. Feed Your Basil Regularly
For basil to grow into a towering 6-foot plant, it needs a regular supply of nutrients.
- Fertilizer: Use an organic, balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. You can also add compost to the soil, which will slowly release nutrients over time.
- Avoid Overfeeding: While you want to provide nutrients, don’t overdo it. Too much fertilizer, particularly nitrogen, can result in large leaves but a lack of flavor.
6. Pinch and Prune to Encourage Growth
Pruning is one of the most important aspects of growing large basil plants. Regularly pinching off the top of the stems encourages the plant to become bushier, which leads to more growth.
- Pinching Tips: Once your basil is about 6-8 inches tall, pinch off the top leaves of each stem. This forces the plant to grow outward rather than just upward, giving it a fuller, more robust shape.
- Prune Flower Buds: If basil begins to flower, the leaves will become bitter. Prune off any flower buds immediately to keep the plant focused on leaf production.
7. Repot for Even More Growth
If your basil plant is outgrowing its pot, don’t be afraid to move it to an even larger one. Repotting basil into a bigger container gives the roots more space, allowing the plant to grow taller and stronger.
- When to Repot: If you notice the plant’s roots beginning to circle the edge of the pot or see them poking out of the drainage holes, it’s time to move up to a larger container.
8. Protect from Pests
Basil is generally easy to grow, but pests like aphids, spider mites, and slugs can still cause problems. Check your plant regularly and treat any pest infestations early.
- Natural Remedies: Use insecticidal soap or a homemade spray made of water, dish soap, and a few drops of neem oil to keep pests at bay. Also, companion planting basil with marigolds or chives can help deter pests.
9. Harvest Frequently
Believe it or not, harvesting your basil regularly will actually help it grow larger! When you harvest basil, it encourages the plant to produce more leaves.
- How to Harvest: Snip the leaves just above a set of leaves or node. Always leave at least two sets of leaves on each stem to allow the plant to continue growing.
10. Be Patient and Watch it Grow!
Basil can grow quickly when given the right conditions, but for it to reach towering heights of over 6 feet, you’ll need to give it time and care.
Conclusion: A Basil Tower in Your Home
With the right conditions, your basil plants can grow taller than you! The key is to provide ample sunlight, water consistently, feed regularly, and prune often. Before you know it, you’ll have an abundance of basil leaves that can satisfy all your culinary needs. Plus, the sight of a 6ft 5in basil plant will be an impressive conversation starter for anyone visiting your home!
Get ready to love basil like never before, and don’t be surprised if your friends and family start asking for cuttings!
