If you grow basil, it is quite simple to collect and save basil seed once you get an idea what you are looking for. Because the seeds are tiny they are easily missed, but once you have seen the basil seed itself and gathered it even once you will be able to do it year after year without a problem.

When the basil plant begins to go to seed it will produce attractive long stems of small flowering buds. Pinching these buds off the plant will prolong the growing season, but if you plan to collect basil seed, you’ll need to allow those blooms to stay on the plant undisturbed. Given some time they dry out and turn brown. Though you may be tempted, pinching them off before this stage may result in immature seed that will not germinate properly.

1. To collect the basil seed, begin by lightly yet firmly grasping the bloom stem just below the lowest flower on a stem.  As you slide your fingers upward toward the tip, the dried blooms will come loose and you will end up with a handful of wonderfully fragrant pods.

2. To separate the seed pods from the tiny basil seed, the easiest method is to first place the dried pods into a small bag and squeeze, freeing the seeds from the pods that contain them.

3. Pour the crushed contents of the bag into a fine mesh strainer just large enough for the basil seed to pass through. The larger dried matter will not pass through and though some fine particles will be mixed among the seed, they are easily distinguished from the tiny black basil seed and will not interfere with the germination of the seed.

4. Save the seed by collecting it in an envelope or plastic bag, ensuring that both the seed and bag are completely dry.

When you collect basil seed you don’t have to buy it again to grow basil year after year. Just a few seed pods will yield enough seed for yourself with plenty to share with family and friends, too.