This is the first year we have grown basil there are dark purple flowers on top do I cut them off?

Yes, cut the blossoms off, this will make the plant produce more leaves, harvest leaves often to keep plant from going to seed. If you alow it to bloom seeds will form and take most of the energy from leaves.

This is the first year we have grown basil there are dark purple flowers on top do I cut them off?
Yes, pinch them off regulary. This will stimulate the plant to "Bush" out. Also pick the leaves regularly as well. Dry them and crumble them up and store in an air tight container. Nothing better for hearty soup season come winter...and way fresher than store bought.
Reply:Cut or pinch all flowers off, preferably before they bloom. Also, take a few of the leaves to use in your recipes. Keeping the flowers from blooming will make your plant produce more growth, pinching out a few of the top leaves and stems will make it bush out. Hope this helps.
Reply:The plant's mission is to flower, so when it does it'll start to slow down producing leafes. Cut off flowers