Garden

[Dazlin]

I keep buying basil plants.  They start out great, big, plush healthy green leaves.

Then soon enough they start going g downhill.   Leaves start looking bad, then they stop producing.

We've tried everything we know...adding more acid, sunlight, then not too much sun...moving the pots to different areas.  Gaging the moisture, etc.

This has been several years of this...I cant figure what's the problem. 

They're potted in miracle gro or any potting soil.

I just lost another one...started great, then dies.

So today, I bought another one, and I potted it in,  indoor soil and put it in my lanai for a change.

 Is there a specific way to cut the leaves off when needed?

Cut from the stem, or just pluck the leaves??

Also pinching the little new leaves supposed to create a bushy plant...I only do that later on when it's matured.

Years ago, I've had the same basil plant for years...so can't figure what's wrong last several years. 

Any suggestions?

I'm in Central Florida. 

[We rescue cats]

I'm in zone 5 so Basil hates our weather! I just cannot keep it happy outside of the summer months. So I give up!

[Kachina624]

@Dazlin. I've never grown basil but I found this online.  Why don't you try it?

To grow basil in water, place cuttings in a jar of water with the lower leaves removed, ensuring the nodes are submerged but the leaves are not. Place the jar in a sunny spot and change the water every one to two weeks to keep it fresh and prevent stagnation. You can let the basil grow roots indefinitely in water, or transfer the rooted cuttings to soil for long-term growth

My mother used to grow all sorts of things in water that I would have thought was not possible.

[Boehm Collector]

@Dazlin  Found this on-line:

Basil grows slowly when it lacks 6–8 hours of sunlight, consistent moisture, or nutrients—fixing even one of these can dramatically boost growth.

Yellow or pale leaves signal nutrient issues or water imbalance—check soil and apply organic fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.

Tall, leggy basil is usually light-starved—relocate to a sunny spot or use full-spectrum grow lights indoors.

Rootbound plants need repotting—tight roots in small containers can stunt growth and block nutrient uptake.

Basil needs warmth, sun, water, and nutrients. When one is off, growth slows. Diagnose soil, light, roots, and pests for a thriving plant.

How to Troubleshoot Basil Growth Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check for Signs of Stress (Color, Leaf Shape)
Pale or yellow leaves may suggest nutrient deficiency, heat stress, or disease. Brown spots could mean fungal infections or overwatering.

Step 2: Test Soil Moisture and Drainage
Stick your finger in the soil. If it’s dry below 1 inch, water. If soggy, improve drainage or reduce watering. Our guide on caring for basil indoors covers this in more depth.

Step 3: Evaluate Light Conditions and Duration
Use a light meter or place the plant in a sunnier location. Outdoors, morning sun is best. Indoors, position basil near south-facing windows or use full-spectrum LEDs.

Step 4: Inspect for Pests and Fungi
Check undersides of leaves and near the base for pests or mold. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can resolve most minor issues.

I also heard that over-fertilizing basil can cause it to die.  Should only fertilize it once or twice during the growing season.  I only fertilize mine when I first plant them.  Also, if the plant starts producing flowers.... cut them off.  

Hope this helps.  

[violet runner]

 Only thing I can think of is what variety of basil are you buying? Thai Basil seems to do best in yur area.. And Holy Basil.- Other than that I'll say you just have had bad luck. I usually pinch right above a pair of leaves..  I live in CO- so much different weather.

 It might also matter where you purchase yoru plant. I hardly ever buy from big box stores- I have a local nursery I support. You may find one close to you ask them. Plus you get to go into a nursery- never a bad thing!!!

[mousiegirl]

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@Dazlin wrote:

I keep buying basil plants.  They start out great, big, plush healthy green leaves.

Then soon enough they start going g downhill.   Leaves start looking bad, then they stop producing.

We've tried everything we know...adding more acid, sunlight, then not too much sun...moving the pots to different areas.  Gaging the moisture, etc.

This has been several years of this...I cant figure what's the problem. 

They're potted in miracle gro or any potting soil.

I just lost another one...started great, then dies.

So today, I bought another one, and I potted it in,  indoor soil and put it in my lanai for a change.

 Is there a specific way to cut the leaves off when needed?

Cut from the stem, or just pluck the leaves??

Also pinching the little new leaves supposed to create a bushy plant...I only do that later on when it's matured.

Years ago, I've had the same basil plant for years...so can't figure what's wrong last several years. 

Any suggestions?

I'm in Central Florida. 

---

@Dazlin   I grew basil from seeds and they grew almost three feet tall.  I harvested the entire plant and processed it for the freezer to make pesto, add to soups, etc.

Maybe the roots are cramped, they grow good strong roots, and need watering.  The seeds grow fast and if close together, need thinning, more plants that way also.

[Dazlin]

@violet runner ...its called sweet basil.

 I bought from Walmart, Publix, lowes, and Home Depot.

 So this time I used indoor potting soil.

If this one doesn't make it, I'll go to a nursery.   TY

I have had seeds too awhile back...I may try that again too.

[Dazlin]

@mousiegirl ...we always plant in large pots....

This time I used a medium size pot.

If it does take off, I'll surely repot it.

They all seem to die within a few months...they never take off...so no root bound. 

They start out beautiful and grow bushy, then it all stops. Just within a few months.

[mousiegirl]

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@Dazlin wrote:

@mousiegirl ...we always plant in large pots....

This time I used a medium size pot.

If it does take off, I'll surely repot it.

They all seem to die within a few months...they never take off...so no root bound. 

They start out beautiful and grow bushy, then it all stops. Just within a few months.

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@Dazlin   Try growing from seeds, I bet you will have success.

[Dazlin]

@Boehm Collector ...great info....im thinking fungus...because they all do the same thing.

I believe i saw brown spots 1st, maybe some yellow....then it'll only produce tiny leaves, and then nothing...happens very quickly too.