Updated on January 6, 2025 by Ruth
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Basil is a favorite herb for many people, with many very good reasons! After all, fresh basil with fresh mozzarella and sliced tomatoes? Delectable! Basil pesto? The best! And when you can pluck that basil from your garden to use in the kitchen? Excellent, indeed. We know why we love basil, but sometimes keeping your basil plants looking healthy is a challenge. First we will consider the optimum growing conditions for basil, and then look at three of the most common issues that can affect your basil plants.
Table of Contents
What are the best growing conditions for basil?
Lots of sunshine, warm temperatures, and consistent water are the three main ingredients that you need for a happy basil plant.
Basil grows the best in full sun, meaning sunup to sundown, with a minimum of 8 hours of sunshine. Less than that will result in smaller plants that stretch out as they reach for the sunshine.
Basil is a warm weather plant, liking temperatures above 70F. So far, we have not found an upper limit. We have had our farm’s basil plants in a covered tunnel which gets quite hot in the summer, temperatures of 100-120F, and the basil thrives. When the temperature is cooler, below 60F, the plants can wilt and develop black spots.
Water is the key ingredient for all life, and basil is no exception. Basil likes water on a regular basis and likes to dry out in-between watering. Make sure that the pot for your basil has at least one drainage hole, and use soil for raised beds or containers. If your basil is planted in the ground, make sure it is slightly elevated so that any water or rain can drain away from the plant.
My basil is drooping and wilting
Check the temperature. Nighttime temperature needs to be above 60F. If it is below that, then your plant will wilt.
Check the soil. If the soil is dry, then it is time to water. Water enough so that the soil feels moist, but not so much that there is a puddle. If the soil is wet, it is time to let the plant dry out. If your plant is in a pot, move it to the sunniest and warmest spot you can find.
My basil has black spots on the leaves
This is usually a sign of too much water, specifically too much water that has hit the leaves.
When you water, be sure to water at the root level onto the soil, and not onto the leaves. The plant uptakes the water from the roots. When it rains, of course the leaves will get wet, but basil does not like that very much. It is important that the leaves dry out as quickly as possible. If you have had a rainy spell with 3-4 days in a row of rain, then your basil plant may quit on you.
Your first sign will be the black spots on the leaves or the stems, which then spreads to the rest of the plant. If it is possible to move your plant to a sunny, warm, and dry spot, then you may be able to salvage your plant. Ideally, you want to prevent water from getting on the leaves and causing splashback from the soil.
Basil grown indoors is more susceptible to downy mildew or fusarium wilt, as the soil stays too damp. Adequate air flow and spacing as well as sunshine are key to managing healthy plants.
My basil plant has flower spikes
Basil flowers are edible, with a slightly stronger and different flavor than the leaves. Flowers will appear in hot weather if you have not kept up with harvesting the leaves. If you cut the flower spikes when they first appear, you can extend the harvesting life of your plant. If the spikes grow to be several inches tall and the buds open, then the plants are done. It is time to start more plants.
To prevent this, harvest leaves by cutting the largest stems each week at a juncture of the stems. The plant will form two new branches at each cut. This will stimulate the plant to grow more leaves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, basil is a valuable addition to your herb garden, offering its fresh and aromatic leaves for culinary delights. By ensuring it receives adequate sunlight, maintaining the right temperature, and watering it appropriately, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. While basil is an annual herb that needs replanting each year, its easy cultivation and flavorful rewards make it a worthwhile investment in your garden. With just a little care and attention, basil can thrive and provide you with outstanding results for your culinary creations.
Happy growing!
Additional resources
- http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/basildiseases.pdf
- https://extension.psu.edu/basil-a-summer-favorite
