As a home gardener and herb enthusiast, you play a crucial role in understanding and managing the factors that can cause basil to bolt. When basil shifts energy to produce flowers and seeds, it is a natural end to the plant's life cycle. However, when this happens prematurely, it is caused by an environmental factor that stresses the plant, such as summer heat. Your vigilance and care can help prevent these unforeseen challenges from happening when you least expect them.
During the summer heat, basil thrives best in the morning sun and afternoon shade. While basil is susceptible to overwatering, it needs consistent and evenly moist potting soil when temperatures rise above 85 degrees F, but not over-saturated.
During warmer temperatures, it's best to trim your basil by at least 1/3 each month and at the first sign of a flowering stem to keep the plant's energy focused on producing more leaves. Harvesting leaves regularly, even if not needed, is a proactive practice that can help prevent the plant from bolting, giving you more control over your basil's growth. Here is a link to our article on how to grow basil successfully: Growing Basil Herbs | Planting & Care Tips—Bonnie Plants.