I planted some basil in the ground about 3 hours ago and now it is drooping. Any idea why or suggestion to try to save the plants.
That's totally normal transplant shock; if you gave the plants a good watering after you planted them, they will recover on their own by tomorrow.
Is it warm enough for it there yet? Basil is completely tender and will be adversely affected by cool temperatures.
The Maritimes can still be a bit too cool for tender basil just yet - especially if it was raised from seed indoors. Must harden it off first. Last week, we dropped to zero overnight! Good thing I didn't have any basil outside! : O
Keep the basil under a sun shade for the first week, acclimatize to the sun and keep protected from damp rainy days...
Basil, detess wet and cool and damp... it is a sun goddess, but loves moist roots.... I grow it here on the coast mostly in planters and roll them under cover from the long rainy days unless the temps. are above 18 celius.... at night it can cool down to 10 or 11 c. and the basil can develop black rot or mould on the leaves.... high humidity is fine if the temperature is warm... think Italy or a Mediterranean climate and here is your favourite climate for Basil... heck I am ready to make Pesto with mine in a few weeks already....
Thanks for the extra information. No, it really doesn't like the cool weather, and it would be especially sensitive if the plants were bought from a warm greenhouse, or grown from seed indoors. Definitely would need to be hardened off first. Good luck with your pesto, K Baron! : )
LOL... the first time I made Pesto, using a blender, I pulsed the machine without the lid... and wore it on me and the kitchen ceiling.... great comic relief, but nasty cleanup... The fresh Basil leaves are summer inspiring used with fresh sliced hot house tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar ....and boconcini or fresh mozzarella.... great summer salad not to be missed!
I am coming to your house for lunch in the summer! Mmmmmm - sounds delicious! I make homemade salsa with fresh basil. : )
Maybe Lorax was right, and it was just a little transplant shock. Great to hear it has revived itself. I bet you're real happy. : )
This was my first year I grew my basil from seed so yes I am really happy. I thought that I hardened them off correctly I guess I should have done it a little longer.
Well no worries now - all is well. Just sit back and enjoy watching it grow -and munching it too, of course. I grow basil from seed, as well. : )
