Basil plant flowering (Why and What to Do)

You can keep your basil plant from flowering to maintain the leaves’ taste or let it flower and use the basil flowers a number of ways.

Did you know that when a basil plant flowers, its leaves lose their flavor? By following a few simple steps, you can prevent your basil from flowering and keep enjoying those delicious leaves.

If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy basil, why not let it flower and use the beautiful blooms in your cooking? Basil flowers are edible and there are many recipes that call for fresh basil flowers, so get creative and add some flavor to your meals!

In this article, we will discuss the reasons why basil plants flower, and we will also provide some tips on keeping your basil plant from flowering & what to do if your basil plant starts to flower.

Why is my basil flowering?

There are actually a few reasons why basil plants may flower. One reason is that the plant is trying to go to seed. Sometimes called ‘bolting’ because basil is an annual.

This usually happens when the basil plant is stressed, such as when it doesn’t have enough water or nutrients. If this is the case, you should try to give your basil plant more water and/or fertilizer.

Another reason why basil plants flower is because they are getting too much light. Basil plants need about six hours of sunlight per day, so if they are getting more than that, they may start to flower. If this is the case, you should try to move your basil plant to a location where it will get less light.

basil plant flowering

Is basil safe to eat after it flowers?

Yes, basil is safe to eat after it flowers. In fact, the flowers are actually edible and quite tasty. You can add them to salads or use them as a garnish for other dishes.

What to do with basil flowers

Basil flowers can be used in a number of different ways. As we mentioned earlier, they are edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish for other dishes.

The flower heads may be purple or white depending on the type of basil.

The Kitchen Herbs goes through 8 ways to use basil flowers.

  • Eat basil flowers
  • Make basil flower-infused vinegar
  • Brew some basil flower tea
  • Make basil flower butter
  • Make basil flower pesto
  • Leave them to flower
  • Collect basil seeds
  • Cut and keep them
basil flower vinegar

What to do if my basil plant flowers

Decide if you want to keep the basil plant for the leaves. If you do, then you can try to remove the flowers so that the plant will put its energy into making leaves again.

Pinch off the basil flowers as soon as you see them. Basil plants need to be pruned every two to three weeks.

If you don’t want to keep the basil plant for it’s leaves, then you can let it go to seed and save the seeds for next year. Then use the basil flowers to make something for yourself or as a gift.

How to prevent basil flowering

If you don’t want your basil plant to flower, there are a few things you can do. One option is to cut off the flowers as soon as they appear. This will prevent the plant from going to seed and will also help to keep the basil leaves looking and tasting fresh.

Another option is to try to stress the basil plant less. This means giving it more water and/or fertilizer, and also making sure that it gets the right amount of sunlight. By doing this, you can help to prevent the basil plant from flowering.

flowering basil

FAQs

Is Basil still good after it flowers?

Yes, basil is still good after it flowers. In fact, the basil flowers are actually edible and quite tasty. You can add them to salads or use them as a garnish for other dishes. Although the taste of the basil leaves changes.

What to do with Basil when it starts flowering

There are a few things you can do with basil when it starts flowering. One option is to cut off the flowers as soon as they appear. This will prevent the plant from going to seed and will also help to keep the leaves looking fresh. Another option is to try to stress the basil plant less by giving it more water and/or fertilizer and making sure that it gets the right amount of sunlight. By doing this, you can help to prevent the basil plant from flowering.
You can also harvest the basil flowers and use them in salads or as a garnish for other dishes. Finally, you can leave the basil flowers on the plant and let them go to seed. Collecting the basil seeds can be done so that you can replant basil in the future.

When should I harvest my basil flowers?

You should wait until the basil flowers are fully open before cutting the stem just below the flower head. You can then store the basil flowers in a vase filled with water or dry them for later use.

More tips for growing your own basil

How to keep basil alive

How often to water basil

Final thoughts on Basil Plant Flowering

So, do you want to keep eating those delicious leaves? Pinch off the flowers. Letting basil flower is a great way to get some free flowers for your home, but it means you won’t be able to harvest any more leaves from your plants.

However, if you have enough plants, this could be a great way to stock up on some beautiful flowers for arrangements or flavored edible delicacies.

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