Can I use the basil leaves that have turned black?

Or do I need to discard them?

Also, some of the branches are just beginning to put on evidence of flowers...still green on the tips, but distinctive start to the flowering. When does the basil generally become bitter...when the flower is completely bloomed out, or when it begins to put on the blooms at first?

If it doesn't become bitter until the flowers actually bloom out, can the ends be used with the leaves for drying herbs for cooking? Or should I pinch that off and discard it?

Also, does it matter how large and old the leaves are, as long as it hasn't flowered? Or are the larger, older leaves bitter?

Thanks!

Angie

Pinch off the buds to keep the leaves young. It will force new stems. Also pinch off the stalks to start new plants. They root very easily. This plant is so easy that the small effort to keep young, fresh plants is well worth it. Also, if the plant is in the ground, it will die at the first frost, and you will lose it if you don't bring sprouts inside.