basil is bolting already

[anc]

the weather hasn't even really warmed up much but it's already bolting. I have been pulling off the flowers before they open hoping to slow it down but it's not helping. I was hoping for more leaves. Is there anything I can do?? any reason why it's bolting already?? our temps have been varying between around high 60's and low 80's during the daytime. Is it just too warm already??

also, if i want a decent harvest to be able to use for cooking how many plants should I realistically have?? I would like to be able to have a cup at a time without having to use the entire plant.

 

[Durgan]

Keep cutting the seeds off. The plant will produce all season. Eight plants will supply well for a heavy user. Usually I find four plants is sufficient but plant eight for insurance. The plant does bolt quickly which is normal.

 

[anc]

thank you, I guess I need to get more, I have only the one

 

[IcyBC]

I can't said the same for my sweet basil, and I have two plants! It could be because I planted in a container and the weather is unpredictable. We even had hail on May 15 of this month. I am hoping to have enough leaves to dry for the year, while eating fresh as much as I can at the same time.

 

[Durgan]

I grow both the green and purple basil. They are essentially the same, but I sort of prefer the purple. Sometimes I get so much that I can't keep up with the going to seed, so I cut off and discard to keep the leaves growing. I use the seed the same as leaves.