---
title: "I’m attempting propagating basil from the grocery store. Is this a…"
description: "I’m attempting propagating basil from the grocery store. Is this a lost cause? If not, what should I change? Could I try this with other herbs?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/ltAtFJwDXZl2GS9NAnTZm6"
community: "Propagating & Sowing"
author: "Amilia"
published: "2024-12-31T16:17:24.525935Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KK--CFJ3kWMhxBPuo7pbB9OD7Zvn37gKDjh4Ylxvnzc/7DwQT4M0T3ia94c1SanZUA.webp?size=large"
---

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# I’m attempting propagating basil from the grocery store. Is this a…

_Posted by Amilia on 2024-12-31_

I’m attempting propagating basil from the grocery store. Is this a lost cause? If not, what should I change? Could I try this with other herbs?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KK--CFJ3kWMhxBPuo7pbB9OD7Zvn37gKDjh4Ylxvnzc/7DwQT4M0T3ia94c1SanZUA.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### SueB commented on 2024-12-31

The easiest way to grow Basil is by seed. Fill a pot that has drainage with soil. Water the pot and sprinkle seeds on the surface. Press lightly to the surface. Cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm place. No need to cover, they need the light. As the seeds soak up the moisture they get a jelly type covering which is pretty neat. Spray as needed to keep the surface moist and remove the wrap when you get lots of little green basil plants. I usually don’t thin them out at all. Sunny spot. Rotate daily. (That’s when I rub my hand lightly over the surface to release that wonderful scent.

### Plant lover 2000 commented on 2024-12-31

You can always do mint... mine is rooting in water easily

### Sunny commented on 2024-12-31

Many grocery store fresh produce like basil have growth retardants. I buy Thai basil by the bunch in water from the grocery store. None of the cuttings have ever grown roots and they sit in “water” on the store shelves at least a week and one more week in my fridge or on the counter before they start to turn black. It’s less stress to buy a plant from the garden center.

#### SueB replied on 2024-12-31

I grow Thai basil myself. I love it in just about everything. I kept some Thai mint from the garden pot this fall. I wouldn’t say it’s a picture plant but those roots are out of the pot and seeking. I chop the roots off when I see them coming out of the pot. I won’t be responsible for the next invasive species. 😂

#### Sunny replied on 2025-01-01

Thai basil is lovely. Have you grown Holy Basil? It has to be my favorite basil. But, hard to find locally.

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