Question
Good Afternoon, Julian,
    I live in zone 7 and my question regards basil planted indoors.  I planted some last year indoors and the basil has grown well.  Various books indicate that basil will roughly last a year before the leaves fade and seeds take their place, but all the books indicate this information for outdoor planting.
    Should I expect basil planted indoors to last for a year as well?
Thank you!
Ira

Answer
Ira:
I gave up on zones because of the climate changes. Basil must have 60 degree and above night temperatures to produce well. It also needs 16 hours of light in the winter and morning sun facing east , south or southeast. Heat and sunlight is a must. It must grow outdoors in the spring to produce well. It may do well indoors if the sunlight, wind and rain is available. When the flowers come on the plant, cut 2 pair of leaves below the flowers and it will give you more production, but will still try to produce seeds. Start with a new plant in the spring for best results.

Leroy