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Greek basil advice

FlowerPowerPamFlowerPowerPam Posts: 14
in Problem solving
Morning All, 

I've noticed that my greek basil is not looking right. It looks like it has dandruff with the white flakes all on the leaves and surrounding soil. Any advice on how best to deal with it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Pam.

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    It may be caused by aphids.
    They moult as they grow, and the dandruff may be their cast-off skins.
    You could try getting a bucket of water with just a FEW drops of shower gel or washing up liquid and if you can hold the plant upside down give it a bit a a wash it should get rid of most of them.
    Alternatively you could trim it right back and see how it regrows

    Lots of tiny spots on the leaves is often caused by thrips, or in a hot, dry summer spider mites - so probably not the latter :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I buy a supermarket one every year and pot it on. It grows into a box ball shape and lasts until the frosts.
    If yours continues to disappoint, you could try that - if the weather warms up😊
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • FlowerPowerPamFlowerPowerPam Posts: 14
    Thanks @Pete.8, i’ll give the upside down rinse a try  :)
  • FlowerPowerPamFlowerPowerPam Posts: 14
    Thanks @B3, i actually bought the plant from Sainsburys and kept it in the conservatory given the rotten weather we’re having (London, UK). Worse case scenario i’ll buy another one  :)
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I've been holding off buying mine until the weather warms up
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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