MORE THAN JUST LEAVES

 

When growing herbs we sometimes become obsessed with removing the flowers to encourage bigger and better foliage for culinary use. But sometimes we can compromise.

These purple basil growing in a pot on the patio have been flowering for several weeks now and are superb. The lilac purple flowers contrast so well against the deep purple green foliage. I haven't noticed that the foliage is any less pungent.

So perhaps it is worthwhile allowing some of our herbs to go to flower at the end of the summer.