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My basil smells like licorice. Is it done for? #908308

Asked July 03, 2025, 10:03 AM EDT

I bought a basil plant from the farmers market a few weeks ago. It's gotten quite tall and bushy. Today I went to harvest and noticed that it does not smell like sweet basil. It has a licorice smell. I did not notice any flowers on it when. I have been watering. Did I let it go too long without pruning? I dont like the taste of the leaves. Is the whole plant ruined? Could I save it if I drastically prune to get back the sweet basil taste?

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for reaching out.

There are basils that taste like licorice.  Also basil will taste like licorice when it’s ready to bolt.  Trim the basil back by 1/3 cutting from the top and  let it restart. Regular harvesting actually helps prevent bolting.

If temperatures are climbing into the 90s, give your basil some afternoon shade. A simple shade cloth or even positioning a lawn chair to block the intense afternoon sun can help prevent heat stress.

Also be sure your plant isn’t root bound.

I hope this helps.

Deb Kroon Replied July 06, 2025, 11:02 PM EDT

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