Flowering Basil

[ItsEssexRob]

My basil plant has flowered. Does this affect the taste? Also how do Basil seeds form so I can collect them for next year?

Thanks

Rob

[taff]

pinch out the tips next time before they flower, you'll have a bushier plant that flowers later.
the seeds form in the usual way, once the flowers have died off, the'll be in the container [couldnt thinkof the right word] that the flowers were cupped in., Basil seed is usually small and black it's easier to shake the heads in a paper bag and colledct them like that.

[Jeanied]

I find that the basil is too stringy and bitter to eat once it is flowering, which is why you try and keep it bushy and take out the flower tips. Collecting seed from them is probably the best idea.

[taff]

actually, if you uproot the whole thing, put it upside down in a paper bag and let dry, without the roots obviously, when it's dry, the seeds should be at the bottom after a quick shake, then take out the leaves, crush them, and add them to dried crushed rosemary, sage, rock salt, smashed up bay leaf, and some dried parsely for a rub for meat, or sprinkle it over frying chicken with some white wine.