Ocimum basilicum 'Italian Large Leaf'

My basil is finally flowering. I wanted to collect seeds but didn't even think about them not pollinating in this weather! If I pinch back the flowers will the plant still be OK growing?

Yes, I do that all the time.

That's the answer I wanted to hear, thank you Janice 🤗 @lovestogarden

I am glad it was the answer then!!

Even better is to completely prevent the formation of flowers, by taking out the top of the plant as soon as you see that the plant is getting ready for the flowers. Taking out the young leafs around the top also make the plant stronger by producing more new leafs. Infact, it's better to take the leafs from the middle to the top instead Of the big ones in the lower part Of the plant. Instead, if you want the plant to make flowers and seeds, consider that it will bring the end Of the plant

And also that during flowering, the leafs properties will lower, since all the strenght is focused in the seed production. Hope it helps! Cheers from Italy :)

Ooh Italy?? I used to work for an Italian company so I have fondness for the people. I usually trim the basil regularly but was hoping to get some seeds from it since it's been such a great plant but I guess Ill have to wait until springtime. Thanks so much for all of the info @isoroku!

No problem, glad if i was Of help :)

Bionic basil

@llamadrama Hard to believe you in NYC and me in Montana I got a subliminal message from your basil photo. I’m making a Wild Turkey 🦃stew for tonight. Something was missing. I saw this photo and the light dawned! So I went and trimmed my basil 🌿 and that was what it needed. Weird and funny huh? Thanks for posting. Tom

Yumm wild turkey stew sounds delicious in the weather Tom! Enjoy, glad I could be of help haha @tkept

Basil plant still growing strong despite the mid-20 degree weather today. The gales are making it feel like 15 degrees! Staying inside today.

My basil plant has been flourishing in this cold weather (it is indoors but still...)

Bubble Wrap or Blanket wrap the Pot as roots would need more protection. Water plant frequently as when water helps in filling all air pockets. Insert Pot into larger Pot as that will act as layer of insulation. Lastly mulch with straw, fallen leaves #advice

Thank you so much for the tip @gauravsh6. I will do this in the next few days. It's my first winter in this apt and I'm realizing that my apt is like a greenhouse with Southern exposure and it heats up to like 75 during the day despite it being 20 degrees colder outside.