Basil plants have beautiful white flowers that grow on a spike on each stalk, when they reach about 10-12 inches in height. Generally it is suggested that we keep pinching the spikes, for when they start flowering, the leaves loose their flavor a bit. I have personally not found a great difference, but it is logical that when a plant spends its energy on flowering and then seed production, the leaves may not be as flavorful. So, I kept pinching off the stalks until I decided its time to save some seeds.
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| Buds forming on a spike |
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| White fragrant flowers |
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| After a few days |
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Saving seeds from your basil plants is a very simple task. When those pretty white flowers show up, just let them be and allow it get dried on the plant itself. Once the green pikes turn completely dried and brown, remove the flower pods carefully and shake them to dislodge the seeds. If left on the plant for a long time, they usually self seed, due to the seeds falling down because of the wind.
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| Seeds forming on the pods |
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| Seeds from a dried flower pod |
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Usually, each of those flowers when dried have upto to 4 seeds in those pods, so you will end up with a lot of seeds. Once you collect the dark brown / black colour seeds, store it in a air tight container or a zip lock pouch.
Note: Tulsi (holy basil) seeds can also be collected in the same manner.
To learn how to propagate basil through cuttings, click here.
To learn how to grow basil from seeds, click here.
3 thoughts on “Basil – Part 3 – Saving basil seeds”
Hi there,
First of all, I'd like to say thanks for all the information on your blog! Very helpful indeed.
Holy Organic Wellness Basil Seeds are commonly known as sabja. It is known for centuries and is used in deserts, sweets and faloodas. It has very tremendous health benefits.
It has very tremendous health benefits. It helps to cool down the body & in weight loss.
It is an excellent digestive.
Also acts as a stress reliever and helps in skin health.
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