How To Rescue A Wilting Basil Plant

Gourmandize

Most herbs are easy to grow, requiring nothing but sunshine, water, and a little care. Basil is particularly low-maintenance, and given the right conditions will reward you with a wealth of bright, fragrant, and flavorful leaves. 

So what should you do if your basil is starting to brown and droop at the leaves? It probably means that you need to tweak the plant's growing conditions a little bit. Here's what you can do... 

How To Revive A Droopy Basil Plant

• Remove any brown or yellowing leaves. These leaves are either dead or dying, so pruning them will encourage the plant to focus its energies on the leaves that are still alive. 
• Water the plant at the first sign of wilt. If the leaves are drooping, it likely needs more water. Basil loves lots of sunshine, but sun and heat can dry the soil out. Make sure it's getting enough water by watering the base evenly with 1 inch of water every other day — adjusting carefully to keep the soil moist but not overwater. 
• Add mulch. This will help retain moisture and keep the soil cool, which will encourage the plant's recovery.
• If the plant is still stressed, place it in the shade for a few hours to allow it to rest.
• Harvest the leaves frequently, and do not allow the basil to flower. Basils will begin to wilt soon after flowering, but this can be prevented with a careful eye and swift hand. 
• When the plant is 6 to 8 inches tall, trim it back to half its height (or to the lowest leaf). This will encourage a flush of new, perky growth.
• Basil plants can sometimes be affected by root rot (from overly moist soil), fungal problems or mildew. In these cases, it may be best to trim away affected areas with sterile clippers and repot the plant. 
• If the plant is heavily damaged, you can still salvage a bit by taking a leaf clipping and using it to start a new plant. Root the clipping in water, and once it has sprouted roots plant it in fresh soil.

Did these tips help? Let us know in the comments!

If you liked this article, you should check out this trick grandma used to keep potatoes from sprouting.

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