Why is my Thai basil flowering?

Basil produces flowers if they are not pruned regularly. The flowers and leaves are edible and safe to eat. The flowers heads produce seeds which can be collected and grown next years.

Should I let my Thai basil flower?

Check your basil plants frequently for flowers, and if you see any, pinch them off right away. If the flower stems are too woody to pinch (often the case with Thai basil), cut them off with shears. A plant allowed to flower will soon go to seed, stop growing, and die, so be vigilant about removing flowers.

Is basil still good after it flowers?

All parts of the basil plant are edible, including the flowers, leaves and stems. Moreover, all parts of the plant remain edible even after the basil plant flowers. Once the basil flowers, the taste typically becomes more bitter.

Should you deadhead Thai basil?

Don’t let the basil plant go to flower.



Try garnishing your salad or pasta dish with them, whole or chopped! Cutting off the flower is called deadheading, most flowers will produce more and longer blooms if you deadhead them.

What can I do with Thai basil flowers?

What can you do with basil flowers? Sprinkle on summer salads – use whole tender buds or remove the tiny individual flowers: colourful and flavourful. Lemon and lime basil is especially delicious on a fruit salad. Dry them – to use in potpourri, crushed as a seasoning or to make herbal teas.

How often should basil be watered?

Rotting roots are a common problem and these tend to happen because basil is being overwatered. During the warmer months, it’s recommended to water basil every three days to avoid the soil drying out too much. However, if your pot is in a slightly shadier spot, you may find watering every four days adequate.

How long does a basil plant live?

Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost.

What is Thai basil good for?

Research shows that Thai Basil is high in antioxidants, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, which is why it has been used in traditional healing since centuries ago. Aside from ingesting Thai Basil, you can also bruise the leaves and inhale its aroma to relieve stress.