Basil can also be propagated very reliably from cuttings in exactly the same manner as `` Busy Lizzie '' ( Impatiens ) , with the stems of short cuttings suspended for two weeks or so in water until roots develop . Basil can also be propagated very reliably from cuttings in exactly the same manner as ` Busy Lizzie ' ( Impatiens ) , with the stems of short cuttings suspended for two weeks or so in water until roots develop .