Grow new seedlings from store-bought basil
Basil and many other herbs can be propagated from cuttings even in midwinter. The soft-leaved basil cuttings root best in water.
Take cuttings from healthy herb plants that are meant for eating.
Basil cuttings wilt easily, so it’s easiest to root them in a glass of water, rather than soil.
Plant your basil cuttings in soil once short roots appear. This way, they’ll handle being transplanted without damage and will quickly continue growing. Warm, airy soil encourages rooting. It’s advisable to plant a few basil cuttings together in one pot.
Keep the pot in a bright spot—use a grow light if needed—under a loose, transparent plastic cover. The plastic helps the plant start growing. Early on, misting the leaves with lukewarm water can help too.
Try mint, sage, and rosemary, too
Nearly all mints, including Moroccan mint, can only be propagated by cuttings or runners. They root easily and grow quickly. Keep the plants bushy by pinching back the tops, and use the trimmed stems as cuttings.
Some herbs, such as sage and rosemary, have varieties you can grow from both seeds and cuttings. Besides differences in flavor and appearance, these varieties can also vary in growth rate and bloom time.
