John M

Basil does stop growing when it flowers, but the way to think about it is a bit more nuanced than just a full stop.   When your basil plant starts to flower, it shifts its energy away from producing those lush, fragrant leaves and focuses entirely on making seeds.   So in a practical sense, … Read more

Basil still tastes good after it flowers, but the flavor does change in a way that many gardeners notice right away.   Once basil bolts and sends up those lovely white flower spikes, the leaves tend to become slightly more bitter and a bit less sweet than they were during the plant’s early growth.   … Read more

Basil does not spread like mint, and that’s actually a relief for most gardeners.   Mint is notorious for taking over entire garden beds with its aggressive runners, while basil stays put in a neat, well-behaved clump.   If you’ve been wondering whether basil spreads like mint, the short answer is no, basil grows upright … Read more

Basil can spread in the garden, but not in the way you might think.   Unlike aggressive growers like mint, basil doesn’t send out underground runners to take over your beds.   Instead, basil spreads primarily through self-seeding, where mature plants drop seeds that sprout new basil plants nearby.   This means your basil might … Read more

Basil smells like mint, but only in a subtle, complex way that sets it apart from the straightforward punch of true mint.   If you’ve ever wondered if basil smells like mint because both herbs share that fresh, green character, you’re picking up on a real botanical connection.   Yes, basil and mint are cousins … Read more

Basil can absolutely smell like licorice.   Yes, if you’ve ever crushed a fresh leaf and caught a sweet, anise-like aroma, you’re not imagining things.   That basil smells like licorice is a real phenomenon, but it depends entirely on the variety you’re growing.   Some basil types have a strong licorice scent, while others … Read more