What is Wrong With My Basil Plant?

Basil plants produce tasty herbs used in many recipes.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herb producing a fragrant aroma and sweet flavor. Many home gardeners enjoy growing basil indoors and outdoors for its ease of growth. However, some problems can affect basil plants.

Disease

Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the growth of a basil plant. After the basil plant reaches 6 to 12 inches tall, the plant suddenly wilts. The only variety of basil affected by the wilt is sweet basil. Pythium and Rhizoctonia root rot cause yellowing on basil leaves. Plant the basil in well-drained soil to prevent both diseases.

Wilting

While plant diseases may cause basil leaves to wilt, so can lack of water. It's crucial to keep the basil plant's soil consistently moist.

Over-Fertilizing

Over-fertilizing basil may not directly affect the appearance of the plant, but it will adversely affect its taste. To prevent over-fertilizing, always follow the recommended fertilization rate on the label. If the basil is planted in fertile soil, it may not require any fertilization.

Warning

Insects such as slugs can eat away basil leaves. Garden centers carry several methods to treat a slug infestation.

References

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Basil Problem
• Clemson University Extension: Basil

Resources

• Iowa State University Extension: Growing and Using Basil
• University of Illinois Extension: Basil in the Home Garden
• University of Minnesota Extension: Growing Basil