What To Do When Your BASIL Starts To Bolt. Prune It And Get TONS Of New Growth!

[@melissafields2459]

We use our basil as defense against bugs and even groundhogs for the tomatoes and squash. We plants lots of basil around the tomatoes and as we trim the bolting flowers, we toss them around the squash to help discourage pesky predators! 🎉

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Thank you. I thought once the plant started flowering, the leaves would continue to get/stay hard. Did not realize that if I pruned back at that point, new soft green leaves would start coming in. Will definitely give this a shot so see if I can get some fresh basil to go with the last of the tomatoes.

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Really like the clarity of explanation and multiple stages of growth to know what to expect. This channel deserves more subscribers.

[@GardenWellEatWell]

Thanks very much for watching and for the great support! @ArthurDentZaphodBeeb I'm always trying to do content that's "mostly harmless" ! LOL! Paul

[@mattcan8209]

I just trimmed my basil plant that was bolting, will send in an update soon!

[@xomsicxompk]

I’m gunna try this tomorrow ! I hope I can save my basil plant , I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to let them flower 😅

[@smas3256]

I prune this way. When they are ready to harvest I hang to dry. I'll be using some of the dried as tea to repel moles and voles on perimeter of garden. Voles love potatoes. Very small garlic cloves seemed to do that last spring and summer I planted in fall before. Shoots can be rooted to share. People are grateful.

[@lynnandrews8424]

Instead of composting those cut off flower stems, can't you dehydrate & use for spice or use the flowers stems in pestos? Aren't they edible like the leaves?

[@GardenWellEatWell]

Hi Lynn, I've never tried eating the older blossoms because they are pretty coarse, but I'll have to try that next time. You could certainly use the very young buds for pesto as they're pretty tender. Thanks, Paul

[@LjubomirSimin]

They are completely edible and very fragrant. Especially cooked in sauces. You can wrap them in a cloth and take out after cooking if you find them especially hardy.

[@Queenni7]

Very informative! Great examples! I know what to do with my basil now 😊

[@GardenWellEatWell]

Thanks Maya...Glad you found the video so helpful! Paul

[@MaryinMesa]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@SamStormbornOrmandy]

Really helpful info, thank you! 🌱💚🌿

[@WolfriksRaven]

Great video ,Thanks❤️ What I'd like to see a video of but couldn't find amongst yours is how to allow your basil to go to seed so I can get seeds from it so I don't have to buy a new basil plant from the store next year.😊 I live in an apartment and have planter box's in the window on the ledge. My plants do well there.

[@GardenWellEatWell]

Hi Brenda, if you want some seed, just let a few of the stems continue to bolt. They'll produce some flowers and then they'll dry fully on the stem after another month. Pick the dried ends and put them in an envelope. They'll have more than enough seeds to grow next year. Just crush and roll the dried ends in the palms of your hands and you'll see the small black seeds appear. Thanks for watching! Paul

[@WolfriksRaven]

🙏☺️

[@kamase22]

Thank you! Great explanation! ❤

[@sarahcallaway9969]

Thank you for making this video. My first basil plant started flowering and I wasn't sure what to do so I did a Google search and your video was one of the results. This was very helpful. I think it is early to be bolting, but at the same time we've had well over 100°F heat for almost a week (southwest Idaho) so no wonder my plants are stressed, we all are! ❤

[@GardenWellEatWell]

Hi Sarah, glad you found my channel and I was able to help out. Even though summer has barely started, I think we've already had enough heat for now....lol! Thanks for watching Paul

[@LisaMarie-kl1vi]

Thank you! A great informative video!

[@queenofdams04]

Wow.. amazing

[@sunsugarfarmssustainablepr3785]

Excellent video.

[@shellygarza9364]

Oh and I would be so blessed if you could get me seeds from your over power tasting Basil 😛. I will be learning from your channel. I am in zone 10..of My God is Blessing me 😇and you😊

[@donnaball9730]

Thanks for the information

[@bobbossin]

Thanks. Helpful and encouraging.

[@joes.5077]

Thanks, really helpful!

[@hayleyconnors2347]

The seed pods on basil have to dry on the plant completely to be viable right?

[@GardenWellEatWell]

Hi Hayley, to get good mature seed I always wait for the top of the seed stalks to turn brown and dry as much as possible. Then I cut them off with some scissors and put them in a paper bag to finish drying some more. After another week or so I'll filter out the seeds. Paul

[@2021-j2d]

Would you prune the purple flowers from Thai basil as well?

[@GardenWellEatWell]

Yes, definitely. You want the plant to only work towards producing more leaves and not seed. It may continue to try to bolt but when you see any flower buds forming, you should pinch those off as well. Thanks for watching! Paul

[@NSF8112]

What a nice video

[@lauras773]

I thought that once the plant starts flowering, the leaves become bitter. Is that correct?

[@petecols]

I have the same concern. Will the regrowth taste like it did before it flowered?

[@cassaleelee]

I really don't notice that. I live in a hot area so I fight bolting starting in early July.

[@azmgbbb]

New subscriber here

[@GardenWellEatWell]

Thanks very much! Glad you found my channel. Paul

[@CarlAnthonyTV]

I am a complete newbie and was given a sweet basil plant. Maybe the heat or my ignorant watering but it's starting to bolt. It looks really heathy yet I haven't used even one leaf yet. I cut off a couple of the bolts. I tried one of the leaves and it's bitter and not at all the flavor I'd want in my foods. What do i do now? I don't want a sweet basil plant that I can't eat because it's so bitter.

[@peggywaters2589]

I came here looking for the same answer, bitter leaves.

[@butterflyrainbowsoul]

Where's the "❤" Button? I LOVE THIS! Thank you! 😄❤🪴✨

[@GardenWellEatWell]

That's awesome! I'm glad you found my channel! Thanks, Paul