tall basil

Question

My basil is extremely tall (ladies arm length high) and with a recent lack of rain and water restrictions, it’s just dropped all but its very crest of leaves (half pinched flowered approx 3 weeks ago). How far back can I prune it without killing it entirely?

Answer 1

Since basil is a rapid grower you can be quite aggressive in cutting it back. According to the article below you can "cut the herb back about ¼ inch above a node, 3 inches from the base of the plant. Leave a few inches of leaves on the plant after pruning."

You can read more here:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/pruning-back-basil-plants.htm