How can I keep potted basil alive longer?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.To keep your potted basil vigorous, you need to perfect 4 basic habits. Each day, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. Water only if the top inch is dry. Every week, turn it to expose all sides of the plant evenly to light. Each week, prune all stems, but refrain from allowing flower buds to develop to maintain the plant's flourishing state.
Moisture Management
- Check soil daily with finger test - water only when top inch (2.5 cm) is dry
- Use well-draining potting mix with perlite or vermiculite
- Water until it drains from bottom holes then empty saucer
Container Requirements
- Select pots with drainage holes at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep
- Repot root-bound plants into containers one size larger
- Place pebbles under pots to improve airflow
Light Optimization
- Rotate pots 90° weekly for balanced growth
- Provide 6+ hours sunlight or 12 hours under full-spectrum LEDs
- Use reflective surfaces to maximize light efficiency
Growth Maintenance
- Prune weekly cutting stems above leaf nodes
- Remove flower buds immediately upon appearance
- Apply diluted fish emulsion every 2-3 weeks
Become an expert on soil moisture balance to minimize root rot. I perform a simple finger test daily before watering the plants. If the soil feels wet only in the top inch, I wait an additional day. During the hot, dry weeks, I water at daybreak to minimize evaporation. A well-draining soil will keep roots from becoming oversaturated.
Rotate pots consistently for even growth. I add arrows to mark the containers for rotation. For indoor use, south-facing windows yield the best results. For outdoor plants, provide afternoon shade screens in temperatures above 85°F (29°C) to avoid leaf scalding.
Prevent overexpansion through frequent pruning. Weekly pruning will keep plants from expanding and will delay flowering. I often use them when preparing dinner, and cut fresh as needed. When pruning, cutting off and removing yellowing foliage allows the plant to redirect its energy to the new growth rather than extending its life force to sick leaves.
Read the full article: How to Grow Basil Successfully at Home
