Having a basil plant at home is always convenient: this aromatic plant allows us, in fact, to have its fragrant leaves at hand to enrich our dishes.
Furthermore, it is a very easy plant to keep and care for.
Usually, you buy it at the supermarket . It happens, however, that that basil plant that seemed very green and lush in the supermarket begins to dry out after a few days at home .
Why does this happen and how to solve it? Let’s find out together so as to always have a fresh and fragrant basil plant .
The roots are weak
In fact, some experts argue that supermarket basil seedlings are grown not so much to last long, but to look beautiful.
This is why, during cultivation, not enough attention is given to the development of their roots which grow weak .
One solution is to strengthen the roots by planting the basil seedling on the ground , in the garden , or in a larger pot .
This way, the roots can expand and grow stronger.
NB: absolutely do not leave the basil plant in the dark plastic pot in which they are sold.
The environmental shock
Another reason why basil seedlings tend to die when brought home may be environmental shock .
After many days spent in artificial light , in fact, the seedling finds itself in natural light and this could compromise its health.
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How to do? Simple: keep the basil plant for a few days inside the house , not far from the window .
Then, only after a few days, place the plant outside or directly on the windowsill.
The little plant is thirsty
Sometimes it happens that, while it is displayed at the supermarket, the basil plant does not receive enough water and, only when we bring it home, does it show the consequences.
It is therefore important to immediately quench the plant’s thirst by watering it a little more in the first few days at home.
Remember that the secret is to check the condition of the soil : when it is dry, it is time to water .
Fertilizer shortage
The transition from the supermarket aisle to your home can cause a general weakening of the plant.
A trick to help basil recover is to fertilize it.
After placing it in a new pot or on the ground , you can fertilize it with a fertilizer or fertilizer .
The ideal is to choose a liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen .
A natural do-it-yourself fertilizer consists of using the cooking water of the vegetables (obviously the water must not have been salted).
Other secrets for keeping basil in shape
Once your basil plant has recovered, you must still continue to take care of it to maintain its health .
Precisely for this reason it is essential to follow some simple rules in order to make your plant live for a long time.
Moisten the leaves
In the summer months, when the temperatures and sultriness increase, spray a little water on the leaves with a vaporizer .
This trick will help the basil stay fresh .
Be careful of direct light
Never expose basil to direct sunlight. Always prefer to place it in a very bright place , but not too much.
Direct light , in fact, can burn the youngest and weakest leaves .
Remove the flowers
With very high temperatures and when it is healthy , basil tends to flower, producing white inflorescences .
Even though these flowers are pretty, you should remove them.
The plant, in fact, uses energy to keep the inflorescences alive , weakening itself a lot.
Plants in the house and garden? Here’s how to take care of it
If, in addition to basil, you have also decided to grow other aromatic and ornamental plants