Why is my basil bolting?

Basil bolts (flowers and sets seed) when temperatures consistently exceed 30°C, when days lengthen (March–May in India), or when the plant is stressed by root-binding or drought. Pinch flower stems as soon as they appear — this delays bolting by weeks. Keep the pot consistently moist in summer. Once basil bolts, leaf flavour deteriorates rapidly. Take stem cuttings before bolting to propagate new plants. Succession-sow every 6 weeks for continuous supply.