If other insect problems become serious, other organic methods may be tried. Reflective mulches, beneficial insects, insecticidal soaps, traps and hand-picking may give some level of control. Harvesting - Leaf yields range from 1 to 3 tons per acre dried or 6 to 10 tons per acre fresh. Foliage may be harvested whenever four sets of true leaves can be left after cutting to initiate growth, but when harvesting for fresh or dried leaves, always cut prior to bloom. Presence of blossoms in the harvested foliage reduces the quality, and consequently price, of the fresh and dried product.
Frequent trimming helps keep plants bushy.
This provides a high quality product with little stem tissue present. Basil can also be cut and bunched like fresh parsley. A sickle bar type mower with adjustable cutting height is commonly used for harvesting large plantings for dried production. When harvesting for essential oil production, basil should be harvested during full bloom. Postharvest Handling - For fresh market sales, after harvest, wash and dry leaves and remove all weeds and flowers.