I Killed Basil 3 Times. Here’s What Finally Worked.
I killed basil three times before I figured it out. It was always the same mistake. Here’s what I learned.
Attempt 1: Overwatering
I watered every day. The soil was always wet. The basil turned yellow and died.
What I learned: Water when the top inch is dry. Not on a schedule.
Attempt 2: Cold
I put it near a window in early spring. The nights dropped below 50°F. The leaves turned black.
What I learned: Basil is tropical. Keep it above 60°F.
Attempt 3: Not Enough Light
I put it in a north window. It grew tall and thin. Then it fell over.
What I learned: Basil needs 6+ hours of light.
Attempt 4: Finally Worked
- South window
- Water when dry
- Temperature 70°F
- Pinched flower buds
The basil grew into a bush. I harvested for 3 months.
What I Learned
- Basil dies from overwatering, cold, or not enough light. That’s it.
- Fix those three and basil is easy.
- Pinching flowers makes it produce more.