My Failed Attempt to Tend Basil

I bought this potted basil a month ago because pesto is life. I like pesto pasta while my mom and sister love fresh pesto garlic spread.

I wanted to multiply the basil through its stem but was unsuccessful. :( What's left is a stunted basil. Its leaves are small and it doesn't seem to grow.

My colleague, who is into gardening, asked if I've been trimming it. The last time I used its leaves was three weeks ago. Yesterday I harvested some leaves and cooked pesto pasta. Basil growers say that the more you use its leaves the more it grows. The herb seems to thrive when it's serving its purpose. I hope the trimming works.