Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Mould on basil plants

LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
in Problem solving
I have lots of cuttings from my African Blue basil plants that rooted well and were growing well in my greenhouse. But one by one they are developing mouldy leaves, with healthy leaves dropping off.

I have a few growing indoors that are healthy, so what could be causing the problem?


Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Too damp and cold would be my guess. The ones inside will be much drier  :)
    If you can repot the g'house ones with more grit than compost/soil, that might help, but unless the temps are high enough and the g'house itself is dry enough, it still might not work.
    They can cope with plenty of moisture if it's warm enough, and there's good airflow, as with summer conditions, but this time of year is very different. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
    Thanks, I have brought as many as I have room for indoors, those that are remaining in the greenhouse I'll repot with plenty of grit. As long as the indoor plants survive then I;ll be able to take cuttings next summer as they are easy to take and very easy to grow.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    According to the RHS it's tolerant of low temps (min 1C-5C) but won't survive any lower.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/116502/ocimum-african-blue/details

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
    Pete.8 said:
    According to the RHS it's tolerant of low temps (min 1C-5C) but won't survive any lower.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/116502/ocimum-african-blue/details
    I note it does also say on that link that they are prone to powdery mildew
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Greenhouses can become over-humid at times.  Adequate ventilation may be an answer.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited November 2022
    You must have a good reason for growing African Blue basils.  Do you mind sharing their advantages, please.

    Since writing this, I have clicked on Pete's link.  It looks like it's use is decorative rather than culinary, which is my main interest.  
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • powermppowermp Posts: 10
    edited November 2022
    Fairygirl said:
    Too damp and cold would be my guess. The ones inside will be much drier  :)
    If you can repot the g'house ones with more grit than compost/soil, that might help, but unless the temps are high enough and the g'house itself is dry enough, it still might not work.
    They can cope with plenty of moisture if it's warm enough, and there's good airflow, as with summer conditions, but this time of year is very different. 


    Yup 2nd this id say bring i inside maybe?

    Also pH between 6.5 and 7.2 is a good idea for basil

  • powermppowermp Posts: 10
    edited November 2022

    Basil likes a continuous soil moisture. soil should not be too wet, as this increases the risk of gray mold and stem rot.


  • LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
    bédé said:
    You must have a good reason for growing African Blue basils.  Do you mind sharing their advantages, please.

    Since writing this, I have clicked on Pete's link.  It looks like it's use is decorative rather than culinary, which is my main interest.  
    Sorry, only just seen your post.

    I grow it purely for the bees, it flowers all summer long, the bees love it. I also pick some leaves to put on home made pizzas.
Sign In or Register to comment.