TLDR;
This video explains why supermarket basil plants often die quickly and provides a guide on how to keep them alive and thriving. It covers repotting techniques, pruning methods, propagation, and essential care tips such as providing enough light, warmth, water, and nutrients.
- Supermarket basil plants are typically multiple seedlings crammed together, leading to overcrowding and early death.
- Repotting individual seedlings, pruning correctly, and propagating cuttings can lead to a continuous supply of basil.
- Basil requires plenty of light, warmth, consistent watering, and regular feeding to thrive.
The Problem with Supermarket Basil [0:00]
Supermarket basil is designed for immediate use rather than long-term growth. These pots contain around 20 to 30 basil seedlings packed tightly together, which makes them look full and appealing but causes them to quickly exhaust their resources. Supermarkets prioritize the immediate sale over the plant's longevity, expecting consumers to use the basil and then repurchase it. The plants are overcrowded and struggle to get enough space, light, and nutrients, leading to their rapid decline.
Repotting Basil Seedlings [2:13]
To save supermarket basil, the first step is to separate the seedlings and repot them individually. Gently tease apart the matted roots, and don't worry if some roots tear. Each seedling should be planted in its own small pot with drainage holes. For indoor growing, use a mix like coconut coir and perlite to avoid gnats. Water the seedlings thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, and place them in a bright, warm location.
Pruning Techniques for Bushy Growth [4:28]
To encourage bushy and productive growth, basil plants need to be pruned, not just have leaves picked off. Basil grows from the tips, and cutting the growing tip encourages two new stems to grow from below the cut. Wait until the seedling has at least two sets of leaves, then cut the stem just above a pair of leaves. Repeat this process every time the plant grows another two sets of leaves to create a dense, compact plant.
Basil Propagation [6:10]
The cuttings from pruning can be used to propagate new basil plants. Simply place the cuttings in a glass of water, ensuring that no leaves are submerged. Keep the glass in a bright location, but away from direct sunlight. After about a week, roots will begin to grow. Once the roots are a few centimeters long, the cuttings can be potted into soil, creating new basil plants.
Essential Care Tips: Light, Warmth, and Water [7:05]
Basil thrives in sunny and warm conditions, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing window is ideal, and a grow light can supplement light, especially during winter months. Keep basil above 12°C to prevent it from sulking or stopping growth. Water basil when the soil starts to dry out, ensuring the water drains well to avoid waterlogging.
Feeding Your Basil Plant [9:25]
Basil plants need regular feeding because they use up nutrients in the soil quickly. Use a general-purpose liquid fertilizer, such as houseplant focus or tomato feed. Signs of hunger include pale or yellowing leaves. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to bitter leaves or weak growth. Regular feeding will help the plant produce flavorful leaves for months.