Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs, but it is quite difficult to care for and is also susceptible to various damage. We explain what black spots on basil can have to do with and what you can do about it.
What are the causes of black spots on basil?
Anyone who discovers black dots on basil that has also been eaten can assume that it isinfestation with caterpillars. If only black dots can be discovered, this is usually due to care errors or cold damage.
What can you do about the black dots?
When infested with caterpillars, in addition to the feeding spots and black dots, small black balls can also be found under the flower pot or on the ground - these are caterpillar droppings. Then thecaterpillars must be collectedor the affectedplant parts must be cut off. Of course, any leaves that have already been eaten must be removed. You can tell whether all pests have really been eliminated by the fact that no new droppings are found.
What can you do to avoid the black dots?
To avoid the black spots,spraying with garlic watercan help. The caterpillars, small black animals, are deterred by the smell of garlic. You can make this home remedy yourself by crushing a clove of garlic and pouring a little boiling water over it. After the brew has cooled, it is sprayed thinly onto the plant using a standard spray bottle (€27.00 on Amazon). An alternative is to enrich the soil withalgae limestone
Are the black spots on basil in the house more common?
The black spots caused by caterpillar infestation are particularly common when basil has been left outside for some time and thenmoves into the house Insects have many opportunities to lay their eggs outdoors, from which caterpillars then develop, are deposited unnoticed on the plants. Basil plants that are only kept indoors often have black spots and are eaten if the pests had already attacked the plant when they were purchased.
Are basil plants with black spots worth saving?
Basil plants of all varieties with black dotscan be saved if you act quickly and the pests are removed. Leaves that are not affected are safe for consumption.
When is cold to blame for the black dots?
Basil feels just as uncomfortable in air that is too cold as it does when there is too much moisture in the air. Temperaturesbelow 15 °C are unsuitable for basil. Thefungal infestation resulting from cold, damp air can be the cause of the black dots.
Tip
Beneficial insects for biological pest control
If basil plants are attacked by pests, there is no need to use chemical agents - after all, you still want to eat the aromatic leaves if possible. To do this, larvae of ladybirds, for example, available from specialist dealers, can be applied to the affected plants. These beneficial insects kill the pests within a few days.
