Basil — Why It Dies and How to Save It
In short: Grocery store basil dies within a week. Potted garden basil often does too. Five specific causes and five solutions.
Basil — 5 Causes of Death
1. Too Cold
Basil is tropical. Below 15°C it stops growing, with frost — it's over. Don't put it outside before June if nights are cold.
2. Too Small Pot (grocery store basil)
Supermarket basil consists of dozens of plants in one small pot. Immediately after purchase: divide into 3–4 pots of 15 cm, water abundantly, place in sun.
3. Overwatering
Wet roots overnight = rotting roots. Water abundantly but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Drainage is mandatory.
4. Lack of Sun
Minimum 6–8 hours of direct sun. In shade basil survives but doesn't taste good.
5. Flowering
When basil produces flower spikes — leaves lose aroma, the plant ages. Regularly cut off shoot tips — extend life by weeks.
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