Basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist. Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering. Your goal when growing basil in a container is to keep the soil from drying out.
Outdoor basil in containers should be watered about once every 1 to 3 days during summer and less often in cool weather, while indoor potted basil should be watered about once a week. Always feel the soil before watering basil and only water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
Basil performs best in full sun—that means 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day—which is necessary for the best possible flavor and fast growth. If you're growing indoors, place the planter in a south or west-facing window. North and east-facing windows just won't cut it!
Yes, you can overwater your basil, which can lead to root rot, and cause the basil leaves to wilt or turn yellow. However, it may surprise you to hear that basil doesn't becomes overwatered when it is given too much water at once, but when it is watered too regularly.
Basil plants are actually quite easy to keep alive. Keep it in the sun and water regularly, however be careful not to over-water it as that could kill it. Let it dry out a bit before watering and don't let the pot stand in excess water and you should be OK. It's a good idea to pinch out the new growing leaves.
Too little water: Landscaping expert Ward Dilmore cites watering issues for wilting basil plants. Underwatering can cause wilt, but watering too often can, too. Too much water: When basil is grown in larger pots, some gardeners tend to overwater. In doing so, Dilmore says wilting, root rot, and leaf spot can occur.
🌿Basil does not like a cold shower
Place a bowl under it filled with water and/or put the pot under water twice a week so that the soil gets wet but not the stems. Basil rots quickly at the stem to just above the ground. The leaves also quickly turn brown or even black if they are exposed to water and then to sunlight.
Basil is a humidity-loving plant and can absorb moisture through its leaves. This means you can mist the herb, in addition to providing it with plenty of water.
Coffee dregs are an organic and inexpensive source of nutrients that basil loves. They contain nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium — the same elements in standard fertilizers. Coffee grounds also ward off pests and fungal diseases while attracting helpful wildlife like earthworms.
Basil plants initially grow one central stem. Once they are reach 6-8 inches tall, pinch the central stem back by half and about 1/4 inch above the leaf axils. This will force the plants to branch and grow more leaves. As the plants keep sending out new branching stems, continue to pinch them back in the same manner.
Cut about ¼ inch above where leaves are coming off the main stem. Don't take off more than a third of the height at once, and snip from different parts of the plant to encourage branching all the way around. As your basil keeps sending out new growth, continue to prune it the same way.
Some plants, especially edible crops, come with specific irrigation instructions such as "provide one inch of water per week." One inch of water is 0.68 gallons per square foot.
Water correctly: Do not overwater. The first week tomato plants are in the ground, they need water every day, but back off watering after the first week, slowly weaning the plants down to 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
Overwatered basil will have droopy leaves and will start to turn yellow. The soil will be wet. Leaving the basil to sit in a puddle of water may lead to root rot. Basil likes to be in moist soil but not soaked for prolonged periods of time.
Yes, like many other plants, pruning this herb encourages growth which also makes the plant bushier but that isn't the only reason. Basil should also be pruned before it flowers. If allowed to flower and seed, the plant becomes woody and the flavorful leaves bitter.
You don't want to lose your basil to harmful bacterial growth. One more thing. If you're not going to cook the basil, don't tear the leaves or chop it until you're ready to eat. Cold injury is just one reason why basil leaves turn brown or black.
Thirsty outdoor basil plants should be watered every one to three days when there is a heat wave. And don't be stingy when watering them; soak the ground well and check the plants the next day to see if they have perked up.
Soil pH and fertility
A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is best. Fertilize sparingly, using a 5-10-5 commercial fertilizer once or twice during the growing season at the rate of 3 oz. per every 10 ft. of row.
Basil is a tropical herb, and plants need sun and heat to thrive. Give it a spot that receives six to eight hours of sun daily, except in the South and Southwest, where afternoon shade is a must. Basil needs moist, nutrient-rich soil that drains well.
Epsom Salts or magnesium sulphate is needed in relatively large quantities so you may find if you are growing a lot of basil in your system as a major crop you may need to add double the amount that I have just listed for you. Your basil plants will soon tell you if you're getting it right or not.
Basil likes room to grow, so choosing a larger pot is best. I would put three or four plants in a pot, depending on its size, and space them out 30-45 centimetres apart. Use a good quality potting soil that drains well. Good drainage is a must.