Wait until the basil plant has several sets of leaves and is at least 6 inches tall
Choose stems with healthy, bright green leaves
Pick in the morning after the dew has dried
Use clean scissors or pinch with your fingers
Cut just above a pair of leaves or a leaf node
Harvest the top 2 to 4 inches of a stem
Avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time
Remove flower buds as soon as they appear
Pick regularly to encourage bushier growth
Rinse and dry the leaves gently after harvesting