I wonder how long a basil plant will last?

[hendi_alex]

This plant was planted from seed in the spring of last year. It was grown as a container plant and was overwintered in the greenhouse. As you can see, the plant has been ever so prolific this entire season. Now it still looks great, so soon, it will go back to the greenhouse and we will see how long it continues to grow vigorously and give a bounty of leaves.



[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3889223519_cbe549ed55.jpg[/img]

[sweet thunder]

I'm impressed, and envious. I failed with basil twice this year.

How do you keep it from flowering? Does it still taste good?

[hendi_alex]

Just keep the tips pinched. I don't notice any difference in flavor between this plant and the new ones that were started from seed this year.

[LittleMama]

Mine has been the same way this year and I've failed MANY times in the past. I'm not sure what I did different this year, but I water the heck out of it, keep it in partial sun and make sure I harvest before they flower.

[taylor910]

Could you explain why you make sure to harvest before they flower?

[rainbowgardener]

Once it flowers and set seeds then the plant is done and starts to die.

Also the taste changes and gets more bitter.

To keep your basil going you need to keep pinching/clipping all the little flower buds off...