Basil plants flower?

Discussion in 'Herb Gardening' started by Georgia Girl Beth, Sep 23, 2018.

  1. Georgia Girl Beth

    Georgia Girl Beth Seedling

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    My basil has been growing like crazy although the stalks have turned dark. I am not sure what that means, but the top of one of them has started to flower. I am guessing that this is normal, but don't know what I should do about it. Can I snip off the top and try to get it to grow roots? Is that something that can even be done with basil? I still have so much to learn, and it is so embarrassing asking questions that I think may be dumb in the presence of so many great gardeners. Seriously, some of your gardens are amazing, and I can only hope to have a fraction of that one day!
     
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  3. Odif

    Odif Young Pine

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    Basil plants will die after flowering, so I usually harvest the tips just as the tops are budding. Some flowers I leave to make seeds for next year. I have never had success with rooting basil cuttings in water, but many people I know have so it is worth a try. The black marks on the trunk may not be a problem, but maybe due to lots of cold and humidity, it is a sign of autumn.
     
  4. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Beth never feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about asking questions here. Even the most expert of gardeners get things wrong or need advice from others. There are no 'dumb' questions when it comes to plants so ask away and we'll do everything we can to help.
     
  5. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    Beth, it's nice to hear from a fellow basil lover! The stems are darkening because your basil is getting old--it's an annual and approaching the end of its life cycle. I don't let my basil flower--it changes the taste slightly. I have had good luck taking new (green stem) stems and placing them in a 50/50 mix of vermiculite and perlite, keeping the mix damp, and in a couple of weeks putting the now rooted cuttings in soil.
     
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  6. mart

    mart Strong Ash

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    After 40+ years I still have to ask some questions ! I would take the cuttings as MG said and go ahead and harvest the leaves to use in the winter ! Basil is so easy from seed that it may be better to just start another pot for use in the winter ! If you are in a temperate zone your basil will reseed itself if you just leave it alone ! Mine usually do but the second year is usually the last time it will do this !
     

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