potted_plant
Basil care requirements
water
Regularly; keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
soil
Rich, moist, well-draining potting or garden soil.
light
Full sun — at least 6 hours per day.
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Basil
Wilting and yellowing starting on one side of the plant, with stunted growth and brown streaking visible inside the stem when cut.
help
Common causes in Basil
Caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilicum, which enters through the roots and blocks water transport, often persisting in soil for years once introduced.
healing
How to treat fusarium wilt in Basil
There is no cure once infected — remove and destroy the affected plant (don't compost) to prevent the fungus spreading further in the soil.
shield
Preventing fusarium wilt in Basil
Rotate where basil is grown each year, use fresh potting soil for container basil, and choose fusarium-resistant varieties where available.