You probably know this too: a potted basil plant bought in the supermarket usually loses all of its leaves after just a few days and dies. But what are the reasons for the plant dying and are there ways to prevent it?
Why does basil always die?
The fact that basil in the pot usually dies after just a few days is because the plantsare grown up very quicklyand do not have enough time to grow strong. In addition, thepots are much too small - rot can occur.
How does basil last longest in a pot?
If you want to enjoy the plants you purchased for longer than just a few days, please note the following things:
- The culinary herb needsspace: to divide the plant into three parts and then plant each in its own pot.
- Basil needsLight - a sunny location is important.
- Basil needsnutrients. The soil from the supermarket does not meet these requirements and a special herbal soil should be used when repotting or dividing.
Does irrigation contribute to a longer shelf life?
If purchased basil has been divided so that the pot volume is now sufficient and transplanted into nutrient-rich soil,Watering plays an important role so that the plant does not die. The leaves hanging can also be due to the wrong amount of water. Pay attention
- Basil alwayswater from below
- Waterloggingand the resulting rot must be avoided
- Drain off too much water when the root ball is sufficiently soaked. A bowl can be placed under the planter.
How should you harvest basil for longer life?
Harvesting the high-maintenance basil incorrectly can also prevent it from staying alive for long. Instead of picking off the leaves individually, you shouldcut off whole shoots.
Can broken basil still be saved?
If the entire plant has died and leaves hanging, it ishardly possibleto bring it back to life. Especially if the soil is very wet, any rescue attempt is doomed to failure - the roots will then rot. Since the leaves still taste okay, they can be harvested and dried.
Is the shelf life of potted basil intentionally limited?
Basil is a sought-after culinary herb and is grown as quickly as possible in large nurseries. An intentional limitation of the shelf life can still beprobably ruled out But the fact is that the basil does not have enough time to develop into resilient plants - young specimens that are sold with a lot Light and nutrients were raised. Transporting with little water and light, as well as possibly cold temperatures, contributes to rapid collapse.
Tip
The location is crucial
Basil loves it warm and extremely bright! While it usually thrives on a windowsill when repotted and properly watered, a dark location is often its death sentence. If you place it on the worktop in the kitchen, it may be too dark and the basil will begin to wilt.
