Why EVERY Basil Plant You Buy Dies In 1 Week

Summary

Supermarket basil often dies quickly due to being overcrowded with seedlings, crammed into a small pot. This video explains how to rescue your basil by carefully separating the seedlings, repotting them, and providing proper care. By pruning basil regularly, it can grow into a lush, productive plant. The guide also covers propagation, sunlight needs, watering, and fertilizing to ensure your basil thrives for months, providing an endless supply. It’s an essential watch for anyone wanting to keep their basil alive and healthy, moving beyond the typical one-week lifespan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Basil from supermarkets is often sold in crowded pots with many seedlings, which leads to poor growth and short lifespan.
• 🌿 Supermarket basil is designed to be a short-term showpiece, meant to be used quickly and discarded, not grown long-term.
• 🔧 To revive supermarket basil, gently separate the seedlings into individual plants to give each one more space to grow.
• 🌱 Even if the seedlings are tangled or the roots break, don’t worry—plants are resilient and can recover from minor damage.
• 🪴 Pot each basil seedling in its own pot with drainage holes to allow the roots to stretch out and grow healthily.
• 💧 Water the seedlings thoroughly after repotting, ensuring the soil is moist and water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
• 🌞 Basil needs a bright, warm spot to thrive, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to prevent it from becoming leggy.
• ✂️ Pruning basil regularly by cutting the growing tips encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier, leading to more growth.
• 🧑‍🌾 Take basil cuttings and propagate them in water to create new plants, ensuring an endless supply of fresh basil.
• 🌡️ Basil thrives in temperatures above 12°C and should be kept away from cold drafts or heaters to avoid stunted growth.
• 💧 Basil is a thirsty plant that needs regular watering, especially when it's growing rapidly. Check the soil regularly to avoid it drying out.
• 🌿 Fertilize basil periodically with balanced liquid fertilizer to keep it healthy and productive, but avoid overfeeding to prevent bitterness or weak growth.

Q & A

Why does supermarket basil always die so quickly?

Supermarket basil is usually overpopulated with 20-30 seedlings crammed into one pot. This causes competition for space, nutrients, and light, leading to rapid exhaustion of the plant, which isn't meant for long-term growth.

What is the main reason supermarket basil looks so lush but fails at home?

The basil looks lush because it’s packed with multiple seedlings in one pot, making it visually appealing. However, it’s not sustainable because the plants are overcrowded, leading to them quickly using up all available resources.

How can I save my supermarket basil and make it thrive?

Start by separating the seedlings and repotting them individually into separate pots. This gives them room to grow and access to the nutrients they need. Also, make sure to prune the plants regularly to encourage bushier growth.

How do I separate the seedlings from the overcrowded root mass?

Gently tease apart the seedlings by hand or soak the root mass in water to loosen the roots. Don’t worry if some roots break; plants are resilient and will recover.

Do I need a large pot for each basil seedling?

No, you don’t need a large pot. A small pot with drainage holes, about the same size as the one the basil came in, should work perfectly. It gives the roots room to grow without overwhelming the plant.

Why is pruning important for basil, and how do I do it?

Pruning encourages basil to grow more stems from the tips, creating a bushier and healthier plant. To prune, wait until the basil has at least two sets of leaves and cut just above a leaf node to stimulate new growth.

Can I use the cuttings from pruning to grow new basil plants?

Yes! You can propagate basil by placing the pruned cuttings in a glass of water. After a week or so, roots will form, and you can repot the cutting into soil to grow a new plant.

How much sunlight does basil need to grow well indoors?

Basil needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. If your window doesn’t provide enough light, consider using a grow light to supplement sunlight, especially during the winter months.

What temperature should I keep my basil plant at to ensure it thrives?

Basil prefers temperatures above 12°C (54°F). If it gets too cold, especially at night, the plant will stop growing. Avoid placing basil in areas where temperatures fluctuate too much or near cold windows.

How often should I water my basil plant?

Basil is a thirsty plant, and you should water it regularly, especially in warm, sunny conditions. Check the soil moisture with a moisture meter, and water when the soil feels dry. However, avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil, as basil doesn’t like being waterlogged.

What type of fertilizer should I use for basil?

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, which is essential for providing basil with the nutrients it needs to grow. If basil starts showing yellowing leaves or slow growth, it’s a sign it needs feeding. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to weak growth or bitter leaves.