Growing Basil

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22 Jan 11 Trish (Australia - tropical climate)
We have a few basil plants around a foot high right now and are picking and eating happily. They haven't flowered, and I'm told I should pinch off the flowers to prevent it. my question - I'm such a beginner - do they die off and require replacing, or do the carry on forever if I keep pinching off the flowering heads? If they die, I should be planting again now!
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14 Oct 11 Julie (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been experimenting growing herbs for the last year. Let some of the basil flower and go to seed, when dried out save the seeds and plant again in September for regrowth. Perfect for making pesto, keeps well when made and sealed. Basil does need to be sown each year,
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23 Jan 11 craig (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can actually just cut them right back and dry an excess in the oven (very low temp for 45 min or so). the plant will look like death, but tends to start growing again. If it dosent it's an easy herb to keep seeding. I still have the same "bush" that Ive had in a pot for 3 years. Pick, dry regrow start again!
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We have a few basil plants around a foot high right now and are picking and eating happily. They haven't flowered, and I'm told I should pinch off the flowers to prevent it. my question - I'm such a beginner - do they die off and require replacing, or do the carry on forever if I keep pinching off the flowering heads? If they die, I should be planting again now!
- Trish


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