I am thinking it needs much more sun.... even in my arid conditions it needs some sun.

the flying bugs sound like fungus gnats and the smell is probably from sour soil, both are caused by too much moisture in the mix. basil does well in dry conditions so dont over water, let it dry out and try watering less or you end up losing the plant to rot or fungus.

Thanks, debra. It was really a question about strange happenings, in that it is putting out blooms and new flushes in October. Yes, the successive flushes are always prettier than the initial ones. Given this is many flushes past the first, and the leaves on this flush are really nice, I find it strange that it is doing this so late. The other So Sweet is behaving normally as are all the other hosta. I miss the old "guys" who had so much knowledge and shared it generously. bk

perfect!