Have you ever bought a basil seedling and saw it dry after a few days? You are not the only one! The aromatic plants sold in supermarkets seem to be made to last little, but with the right method you can keep them luxuriant for months.
You brought home a nice seedling of fresh basilbut after a few days do the leaves yellow and the plant starts to dry out? It is a common situation: the basil of the supermarket seems destined for a short life, but the real problem is not the plant itself, but the way in which it is grown and packaged.
Many believe it is enough water it regularlybut it’s not so simple. Basil needs space, nourishment and an environment suitable for growing strong and luxuriant. The secret to making it last long It is in a few, but fundamental attention. You have to repot it immediately, choose the right place and collect the leaves correctly. If you follow these tips, your plant will not only survive, but will continue to grow luxuriantly for months.
Why does the supermarket basil die immediately?
If your basil seems to perish within a few days, know that it is not your fault. The problem is on the seedling itself and in the way it is sold. These plants are grown in tiny jarswith tablets and little soil available. This makes them weak and unable to absorb fairly nutritious to survive for a long time. Another factor that affects their duration is Transport stress and temperature changes. The plant passes from the heat of the greenhouses, to the cold of the refrigerated trucks, and then end up under the artificial lights of the supermarket. Once brought home, this continuous change can quickly lead it to deteriorate.
Then there is a mistake that many make: Leave it in the original plastic jar. This small container does not allow the plant to expand, forcing the roots in a limited space. Basil needs More land and more air to develop healthyly. But the good news is that you can solve all this with a simple operation: Immediate repotting. This fundamental step helps the plant to recover the forces and to grow healthy and strong.
How to repot the basil to make it last months
If you want your basil seedling not immediately, the first step is repot it correctly. Follow these steps and you will see that it will grow lush for a long time.
- Choose a bigger vase: basil needs space to develop roots. Choose a container at least double the original one.
- Use a good soil: opt for a land rich in nutrients, preferably specific for aromatic plants.
- Extract the plant gently: turn the original jar and try to parade the whole zolle without breaking the roots.
- Expand the roots manually: melt the land around the roots with your hands to encourage better adaptation to the new ground.
- Place the plant and compact the earth: Fill the pot with the soil, place the basil in the center and add more land around. Press slightly to stabilize the plant.
- Water immediately: After the repotting, the plant wet without exaggerating. The ground must be humid but without stagnation of water.
With this simple method, your basil will have the necessary space to grow strong and healthy.
The correct way to collect the leaves not to damage the plant
One of the most common mistakes that lead the basil to dry out too quickly is Collect the leaves in the wrong way. If you follow the right technique, not only will you avoid weakening the plant, but you will help you grow older and luxuriant. The trick? Never cut the leaves from the basebecause this slows down growth and makes the basil more fragile. Instead, to stimulate new sprouts and get an always green and healthy plant, you have to Cut from the topremoving the upper part of the branches.
Another fundamental aspect is Use sharp scissors instead of tearing the leaves with your handsto avoid damaging the stem. Furthermore, Do not overdo the collection: remove only the necessary leaves, always leaving green enough to guarantee the plant the right vitality. A frequent, but not excessive harvest, also helps to maintain a compact form and prevent early flowering, which could make the leaves less aromatic. Following this method, your basil will continue to grow luxuriant and fragrant for months!
Now you have all the secrets to make the supermarket basil survive much longer. Return it immediately, place it in the right place and collect the leaves carefully.
With these simple precautions, your seedling will not only resist, but it will become stronger and stronger, giving you fresh and fragrant leaves throughout the season!
Photo © Stock.adobe
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