When can i start picking the basil leaves off my plant?

Question:i planted basil seeds about 5-6 weeks ago and now i have 3" high plants with about 4-6 large leaves on each plant...also several smaller leaves..when can i start harvesting the larger leaves?

Answers:
wait a few more weeks. like 6 to 9 inches tall. then harvest the whole thing and dry it. succession plant -- start more now

if you do just want to pick leaves now and then, i'd still wait until it's about 6 inches tall

basil is supposed to be harvested though. don't let it flower