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Brown splotches on basil

ehouk1ehouk1 Posts: 10
in Fruit & veg
Hi all, 

Please see photo below. I have brown splotches on the leaves of my basil seedlings. The patches are slightly translucent and the leaves are slowly dying. 

From my internet search, this looks like downy mildue? Could that be it? If so, I understand there is no cure, is that correct? 

I used fresh store bought compost and they have been inside. Could the seeds be infected? 

Thanks


Posts

  • ehouk1ehouk1 Posts: 10
    Photos here:
  • ehouk1ehouk1 Posts: 10
    I should also note, I have had a good look for something eating the leaves and cannot see anything
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Could the leaves have got wet when you watered them?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited April 2021
    I agree - it's caused by a combination of water and temperature too low.
    There is no disease and it's not mildew
    So good news

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • ehouk1ehouk1 Posts: 10
    Thanks! Good news. So, I just need to keep them warmer and avoid splashing the leaves? 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Yes, pretty much.
    Basil originates from Thailand, so they like it constantly warm and humid. Not easy in a cold UK Spring - especially chilly nights.
    As the weather warms they should recover ok.
    After a while  the plant will try and produce a flower spike. This should be removed to keep the plant alive.
    Once they flower they die, so it's worth sowing some more to keep a good supply

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    Burns.  Yes, water the base only and be careful during the summer as it's easy to sprinkle water on the leaves in the hot sun - bad combination.
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

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