If this hasn’t been answered already, basil needs a lot of warm weather to grow, and then it grows like crazy. The basil I bought in the garden center is doing great. It is big and lush and already trying to go to seed. However, the one surviving basil plant that I started from seed in my basement is still tiny, but doing better out in the garden. It is still only about 2 in. high.
In the past, basil seeds profusely and starts many volunteer plants, but they all die when I try to bring them in in the Fall.
My basil is wanting to flower. I have to check almost every day and pinch off the green flower tips. I love the wonderful smell when doing that. It is my understanding that once they flower they stop growing - but hey I am just a novice. Someone here will let us know.