How do I know when to pick the leaves off my basil plants?

The plants are about six inches tall and have a few leaves about an inch and a half long.

How do I know when to pick the leaves off my basil plants?
When you need them for cooking. Usually you pick the number that you need once you have enough safely still allow the plant to continue growing.
Reply:You can use individual leaves of your basil at any time. However, if growing vigorously, they can be picked at the leaf terminus section which will encourage offshoot growth. Remember, basil will cease growing if you allow it to flower, so be sure to keep the buds picked ( the time when your basil is MOST fragrant anyway), before they bloom and stems turn"woody".
Reply:I don't pick leaves, I snip the stem. When the plant is about 8" tall take off the top 2 inches and use what you have. You will grow 2 new stems. Wait until they're about 6" and take off 2". Every time you take off the stem, 2 more grow. By the way, basil blossome are delicious.
Reply:In my opinion, You should wait until it reaches a height of 10-12 inches. then you can start picking the leaves without any hesitation.
Reply:Pick them anytime you are ready to use them....the last harvest is in the fall, harvest the whole plant in the fall and hang upside down to dry out leaves..... in the mean time.... use the leaves at your pleasure. TIP: Plants love to grow.... the more you trim them regularly the more they grow. Trim basil from the bottom up. If you take the center out too soon... the growth level diminishes. Bon apetite!
Reply:I would wait until you have a few leaves on the plant but you can really start picking them as soon as leaves start to form. You just want to make sure that there are enough leaves to support the plant.



Doesn't it smell good when you put your nose up to it? I just love fresh herbs. They are so yummy.
Reply:They can be broken and used in cooking nice dishes
Reply:first off, if you pinch off the growing tips of your young plants you will make them bushier and they will produce more leaves.



as to when to harvest: i wouldn't start picking many leaves until the plants are at least about 8 inches tall and have a good number (20-30) leaves on them. plants will keep growing once you begin picking but it's always a good idea to raise/buy more plants so that you have a succession going.