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Growing Basil

Market BoyMarket Boy Posts: 101
in Plants
I have been having terrible results trying to grow Basil. I sow the seed and it germinates well. Once the seedlings are big enough with good true second and third leaves. I transplant the seedlings into 7cm square black plastic pots. Give them a drink from bottom up. And put them in the greenhouse sheltered from the strong sun. The green house is well ventilated during the day. Within a week they have all keeled over and that's it there is no saving them. Any ideas where I am going wrong. I don't have any troubles with other plants raised from seed. 
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Posts

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    What have night temperatures been like in the greenhouse?
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    Even my supermarket divided ones haven’t done well. Think it’s been too cold for it.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I live in SW France and my outside basil isn't doing well either, it's usually fine in May but this year it's been colder than usual and very wet at the moment.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    My basil is still indoors. TBH I’ve usually got a pot on the kitchen windowsill. It’s happier there than outside most years. 

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





  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Yes I agree with Dove
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    I might have to try taking the healthiest one back in then.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Don't split them individually - split them into clumps. I sow generously in small pots and when they're a couple of inches and bursting out the pots, I divide into about three and pot each clump into a 3 inch pot. 
    Too cold to be out in a greenhouse just now, even in [usually] milder areas. They need plenty of warmth and light. Same conditions as tomatoes really - you need double figures overnight.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Oh ‘eck... mine have got some aphid or whitefly damage ... I shall have to swoosh them around in soapy water a bit later 🙄 

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





  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,718
    I haven't grown Basil for a couple of years but when I did I always kept them in a clump, never divided them, I think they grow better that way. The weather is all over the place this spring so keep them warm!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I don't sow until about mid April anyway, so mine are only just getting true leaves. Not warm enough in my house to do it earlier than that  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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