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Permalink Reply by Rhonda Fleming Hayes on February 20, 2010 at 9:17am

First, my advice is anecdotal, based on observation and not any scientific study. I used to live in zone 6 leaning toward 7. I grew lots of herbs for both culinary and habitat usage. I found that cool-season herbs are the best at re-seeding; culinary herbs like dill, parsley, cilantro, and other herbs like clary sage, hearts ease and nicotiana, etc. But maybe they were best because they were germinating when it was cooler and moister.
Basil has to have hotter conditions to germinate and grow, it sulks at anything below 55 usually. By the time it was ready to germinate you might have already given up or weeded in that area and missed the basil. By the time it germinates, the conditions for growing on might not be as good, i.e., hotter weather, less moisture. That said, I do remember varieties of cinnamon basil re-seeding quite well.
Re-seeding is a great way to increase your plant numbers, and it's great to then re-locate the little seedlings to areas where you want more herbs. Re-seeding is more successful when your soil is rich in organic materials and there is a steady supply of moisture. Heavy mulch can discourage germination as well.
Whew! Didn't mean to go on, but re-seeding plants are a favorite for me. I miss my greehouse where I overwintered all my tender perennial herbs. Good luck on everything. (I plan to talk about re-seeding soon on my blog, The Garden Buzz)

Permalink Reply by Caroline Cooper on February 20, 2010 at 9:33am

I plan on only removing the top layer of leaves and spreading compost. The basil was turned down under the leaves for the winter with the seed tops. I also left the markers under the leaves.

There were few if any weeds in this bed. I have never seen cilantro come bak since it seemed to have died off before giong to seed. Not sure if my dil and fennel will make it either as they were very young plants

I need to reorganize the beds for a perhaps mor formal look as they are planted all willy nilly like wild cottage flowers I is either that or let them all grow natural in clumps

opinion on that.......

Thanks

Permalink Reply by Kimberly White, Lombard, IL,Zn 5 on February 20, 2010 at 11:24am

I live in zone 5. I have never had basil seed...but, I find cilantro all over the place. I sometimes mow it in the yard, then I have a craving for chips and salsa...go figure.