Basil Leaves Wilting – 8 Reasons Why they are Wilting & Solutions to Fix It?

Oh, what the hell!!! Why are my basil leaves wilting? Truly, I did everything I could to make the basil leaves bloom their best. I think everybody would have the same reaction. Who wouldn’t? Because after putting in all that hard work, my basil leaves are still wilting.

Are you interested in knowing why they are wilting, so you can avoid the same problem? For that, I’ve explained my research findings on the reasons for wilting and how to fix them, ensuring your basil leaves grow healthily. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s learn how to protect the basil leaves from wilting.

Key takeaways:

• Basil is a sensitive plant that is grown as an annual but it is not frosted tolerant and not drought tolerant as well.
• Basil leaves need good exposure to sunlight for their growth.
• They tend to grow in well-drained soil. But some farmers face the fact that the leaves of their basil plants start to wilt.
• When someone grows any plant just like a pitcher plant in their home garden, then they also need to take care of them properly so that they get the desired results.
• It is famous and well-grown by farmers for its taste and essential oils. It does not require a high level of maintenance for their growth and development. 

Basil Leaves Wilting: 8 Reasons Why They are Wilting? 

Basil is a wonderful herb that is grown in every farmer’s yard. If you too have grown it then you might see that its leaves are drooping, so you need to think what are the reasons behind this so that you can fix them. It might be due to the improper water schedule of basil plants. Let’s know about the reasons for basil leaves wilting in detail: 

1. Deficiency of Nutrients

One of the main reasons behind the Basil Leaves Wilting is that they are not getting proper nutrients for their growth. When the plants get nutrients, their roots become strong and you get the best results from them.

But, if you are not giving nutrients to your plant through water sources or soil sources, then it will become scarce as it also plays an important role in wilting of basil leaves. 

2. Improper amount of Sunlight

Sometimes the plant does not receive sufficient light for its growth which makes them weak and start to wilt.

As you know sunlight is the basic requirement for the plants for that nourishment and if you are not providing them with sunlight properly then the leaves will be spoiled. Even the seedlings will start to droop if they receive too much light.

3. Inadequate water 

Water is a vital component that is needed by everyone for their survival. But what about the plants? Don’t they need a proper water supply for their survival?

One of the reasons behind the Basil Leaves Wilting is the less supply of water. Of course, they need proper watering for their growth. Basil plants need regular watering for their growth and some farmers forget to water them.

In the end, they face that their plants are drooping. Some overwater the plants and underwater them which does not let the plant grow at their best. 

4. Environmental change can be a reason

Another reason behind the basil leaves wilting can be the surrounding change of the basil plants.

When you shift the basil plants to a new location, then it is difficult for them to adjust there easily. So, due to this, they can start to become weak and change the color of their leaves like turning yellow or turning brown.

5. Not proper pruning of the basil

Pruning for some plants becomes essential when they become mature. You trim the plant so that it produces new leaves and new growth so that you receive more results from it.

And if you do not prune the basil plants from time to time then they start to wilt their leaves which is not at all a good sign. The leaves start to change their color and become weak. 

6. Pests are a big problem

When you grow plants or vegetables in your yard then you have to be ready to face the problems of pests and insects. One of the reasons behind the Basil Leaves Wilting is pest infestation.

Pests like aphids, nematodes, mites, and other insects tend to suck the fluid from the plants and gain its nutrients for their survival which makes the plant weak. It will make the leaves of the plant weak and also they will be wilting.  

7. Fungal leaf spot disease 

Some of the plants get fungal diseases that start to ruin the plants. One of them is fungal leaf spot disease.

This disease is very contagious for the basil plants as they will become weak and you won’t be able to get any results from it and leaves will start to wilt. 

8. No more life 

Last, but not the least, the plants have survived for various years. As you know it is an annual plant that grows, gives flowers, and then dies. So, it might be the reason that they are about to vanish. That is why the leaves start to drop off. 

What are the Solutions to Fix the basil leaves wilting? 

Basil is a fragrant herb that has various uses. The basil plant grows best in the proper soil, with adequate water, and sufficient sunlight. Sometimes, you might get failed in fulfilling the needs of the plant then the plant starts to become weak and they start to wilt. So, the gardeners must apply some solutions to fix the basil leaves wilting.

1. Make sure to check the airflow and soil

To not let the leaves of the basil plants wilt, you have to provide well-drained soil to the plants which need not be much moist or much dry.

You have to provide proper airflow for their growth. They should feel free so that they grow well. 

2. Provide a sufficient amount of nutrients 

Nutrients are required by every plant for its growth and expansion. But sometimes, they do not get it, so you have to provide them with the nutrient mix which should contain calcium, potassium, and even nitrogen so that they grow properly and do not drop off.  

3. Make use of fungicides 

You have to use a fungicide when you notice changes in the colors of the leaves of the basil plants. You can use the effective one named Metalaxyl.

It will not let the pests spread the disease in the plant and your leaves will not wilt. 

4. Repot the basil plants 

When you know that your plant is not growing well due to the wrong soil texture, then you have to provide them with loamy soil which will allow the plant to move its roots willingly. 

5. Prune the plants regularly

It is better to trim the plants from time to time if the plant has attained a maturity level. It will give relief to the stems which won’t let the leaves wilt.  

6. Plant them in a large container 

If you feel that the container is small for the plants you have grown, then you can shift them to a large container as it will make them feel comfortable and they will grow well. 

7. Sufficient amount of sunlight 

As mentioned, sunlight is an important source for plants to grow at their best.

So, you have to provide them with proper sunlight for their growth. You have to provide them with at least 8 hours of sunlight in a day so that they give you the desired results. 

8. Retain the moisture level of the plant

Guys, it becomes essential to retain the moisture level of the basil plants so that they perform well. You have to put them in well-drained and potting soil and provide a drainage system so that the plant does not suffer the humid conditions.

Concluding lines

In this guide, you see that Basil is a sensitive plant that is grown as an annual but it is not frosted tolerant and not drought tolerant as well. It is annual because of the natural surroundings provided to it. They need good exposure to sunlight for their growth. They tend to grow in well-drained soil.

Any gardener can grow them at home as it is that easy the way you are thinking. But some farmers face the fact that the leaves of their basil plants start to wilt. They don’t know the reason behind it. So, it will be good for them if they know the solutions to fix it. Read the article carefully to know more about the correction of the basil leaves. 

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