Need advice on growing basil

I live in southern California... and you would think that I might have tons of basil right? But I really have trouble growing it. I do have to grow it in pots... and I've tried many types of potting soil... mixed with compost... without....I purchased plants at the nursery which I've transplanted into my own pots. I have been watchful and keep them watered as necessary... but my basil tends to almost 'dampen off...' in other words... it weakens and dies. Usually at the point where the stem has it's first set of leaves although not exclusively....Not sure what I'm doing wrong as I've checked the soil for moisture and I know the plants haven't had wet feet or gotten too dry. In summer because of our extreme heat... I've kept the plants in 'filtered sun' ... although even now as the temps are cooling and I try the plants in direct sun.... I am still having difficulty.... my last plant just bit the dust so I don't have any pictures... wish I did because that might be helpful.... Any thoughts? Nancy

I know you think you're not watering too much, but that would be the first thing I suspect.

Are you buying all of your plants from the same nursery ? If so, try buying from a nursery that specializes in herbs. Also, herbs do better if the soil is not too fertile. Check your potting soil and see if it has a time released fertilizer. That could be your problem.

I agree with both ecrane and BSD. Also, have you tried growing Basil from seed instead of transplants? It is quite easy to grow from seed. Just sprinkle the seed on the soil, cover with just a little more soil, water, and they will be up and growing in no time.

Also, sometimes when you buy plants from a nursery they could be root bound. This could be a problem as well. Especially if they are in those little peat pots. I know the peat pot people say to plant the pot and all, but it is always best to take the plants out of those pots.

This message was edited Nov 14, 2011 2:32 PM

Thanks to everyone... good information - all very helpful. I will try growing from seed... I just love the herb and hate that I'm doing such a poor job keeping my plants alive!

I did purchase from the same nursery twice... the third time around from a mail order herb company...
www.thegrowers-exchange.com

all three times the plants were in plastic pots and I got them into the ground right away. I will have to go back to the nursery to read the label on the potting soil... good thought about the time released fertilizer.
I thought I remembered reading somewhere that herbs are unfussy about soil, so growing directly in the ground may be the solution for me. It's possible that the potting soil is the issue... perhaps the plants would be happier in the ground....Has anyone tried growing amethyst basil?

Herbs do tend to be unfussy about the soil. I grow my basil both in a pot--a seven gallon plastic nursery pot so they have plenty of room for their roots, as well as in the ground. They do well in both places. How is the weather out there now? Basil loves the heat, and here if Florida right now we are cooling off, and it would not do well this time of year.

Well I thought that was my problem initially... after I first planted them we shot up to 107 degree temps which was why I made sure they didn't dry out too much... kept them in the sun... but not on concrete and with some filtererd sun just to be safe....moved them around a bit to keep them from frying....but now we're down to the low 70's... so I put the remaining plant right out into the direct sunlight...... definately not cold yet. We had some rain this weekend, but the temps stayed the same.

Hopefully if it does not get too cool, they will do better for you. Mature plants can take the heat better than younger ones. Try seeds next spring.

Thanks everyone for your advice!

I grew my basil from seed and it went crazy. It was in direct sunlight at all times and I watered it everynight while it was hot. Never feed it any grow stuff. I think it's one of those things that does better when it's ignored some.

monkeymomr.... thanks so much... this is helpful... you and I have similar climates... so I'm going to direct seed this spring. I love basil and would really like to have a small patch of it handy for cooking with.

I have the regular basil and I'm hoping to use some seed from them. Plant some just to enjoy looking at. My plants were about 1 ft. high and then the flower stems doubled them. I'm planting some again in the flowerbed just to enjoy. I think planting the herbs here in there in the bed keeps the pests away too. Neighbors had trouble with bugs and cats and I didn't have any. I'm also going to plant some of the other basils just to see what they look like. In the summer when it was super hot I really soaked the ground. Thats how I watered everything. It worked for me so I'll do it again next summer. I think the water info is for people who live in normal climants. LOL

I agree... when we are in the throes of our summer heat... it's really tough to keep everything alive. Did you have any trouble seeding? Any basil seed starting tips?

I let the flower stems finish flowering and then cut them off. I don't know if they will sow but I'm going to try. The little pods are a pain but it will be worth it if the new plants are just as beautiful and flavorful as this years. I read an article in one of these forums that says that with seeds this small you don't have to make sure that all the seed covering is removed. Thank goodness, because I've not been able to get in all clean.

Here is some good info on growing basil.

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/vegetables/crops/hgic1327.html

Thanks BSD! Great info. :)

monkeymomr> you can just scatter the seeds directly from the flower stem. they reseed readily and fast, especially if its warm and sunny. :)

You are very welcome. Isn't it nice when the East coast can help the West coast???

That's why this site works so well. What someone needs to know, someone will know the answer. And lets face it, gardening is always providing new questions. LOL

Fellow gardeners are the best...it is indeed very nice to know that everyone is so willing to share their expertise. And I will utilize all of it!! -:) Nancy