On Sun, 5 Sep 2004, Phisherman wrote:

On Sun, 05 Sep 2004 21:30:49 GMT, "Jim Carlock"
wrote:

What exactly does pinching basil mean? I know what a pinch
is, meaning to compress painfully, or a small amount.

Someone told me to pinch basil. And the only thing that comes
to mind is to pinch and twist but what exactly is pinch ? Online
references mention to pinch basil, but I can't find a detailed
definition on what it exactly means.

Thanks in advance.


It means to prune the end of the growing tip. This will cause more
branches and more leaves. "Pinch" means to use the thumb and
forefinger to remove the pair of small leaves at the top of the plant.
BTW, I have more basil than I can supply the entire neighborhood. I
guess it was all those fish emulsion feedings I did last
spring/summer.

I thought maybe this referred to the flowers too no? Mine keeps trying to
flower. I hear that if you allow them to bloom the leaves will become
bitter?

My basil is growing like crazy too. I have started making salads with
basil leaves and not bothering with lettuce. potent salads!