Cooking Resources

jusnikki · 11-16-2011, 04:32 PM

My daughter just brought home this pitiful little basil plant in a clear plastic cup. It's just starting to emerge from the soil and really doesn't look to healthy, lol. But as a class project she has to take care of this plant for a period of time. What is the care for basil? Sickly basil...lol.

**Dawgluver** · 11-16-2011, 04:50 PM

It might be having some transplant shock if it was pricked out from a bunch of seedlings. Try making a mini terrarium, cover the cup with another clear plastic cup or plastic bag, (not touching the leaves) and put it in bright, but not too bright light as you don't want to burn it. Keep damp, but don't let it sit in water as it may rot.

jusnikki · 11-16-2011, 04:56 PM

THank you. I'll do just that soon as we get the little thing home. The more I look at it the more sorry I feel for it......

**Zhizara** · 11-16-2011, 07:56 PM

This is the time of year when many basil plants die off. Her project might be doomed.

**Dawgluver** · 11-16-2011, 08:09 PM

I dug a couple established plants up from the garden, with plenty of soil, and potted them, they're doing pretty well. Am thinking basil is usually direct seeded in the garden (that's how I plant it) and is not fond of being transplanted as seedlings. As it's an annual, it shouldn't matter as to when it's planted. For example, you could plant lettuce or impatiens any time indoors, and given the right conditions, they will grow just fine.

Basil would not have been my choice for a class project, maybe bean seeds or marigold seeds.

no mayonnaise · 11-17-2011, 12:05 AM

Basil is generally a spring/summer plant. For success, you will have to go with an indoor setup preferably hydroponic or aeroponic. I would suggest hydroponic if it's your first time. I can't imagine why your daughter's teacher would give an out-of-season herb for a class project but it's generally not suited to fall/winter weather.

jusnikki · 11-17-2011, 11:02 AM

When I googled it, I noticed it was out of season and wondered why the teacher chose that plant. But as my daughter explains there were other plants. And kids chose the nice plants and she felt sorry for that one, lol. I told her that plants going to get her a failing grade.

But this morning it had actually grown a little. Since it's so small you can barely see the leaves but the stem is a little higher, so maybe it will be alright. I did cover it with plastic when we got home. So maybe with a little love and care it may make it.
I'll bet even the teacher will be surprised, lol.

texherp · 11-17-2011, 12:46 PM

If you're on the coast, you can probably keep it outside at least for a couple more weeks. We're still getting warm weather here. I'd put it outside in direct sun on warm days and bring it insdie during cold spells. Eventually thought, it'll have to stay inside.

jusnikki · 11-17-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texherp

If you're on the coast, you can probably keep it outside at least for a couple more weeks. We're still getting warm weather here. I'd put it outside in direct sun on warm days and bring it insdie during cold spells. Eventually thought, it'll have to stay inside.

I'm far from the coast. I was trying to find a place on my window seal to get it some sunlight because it's sunny today. But cool outside. I guess artificial lights no good??

**Dawgluver** · 11-17-2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jusnikki

I'm far from the coast. I was trying to find a place on my window seal to get it some sunlight because it's sunny today. But cool outside. I guess artificial lights no good??

I've grown lots of seeds and plants under growlights. If, however, you're talking the standard living room lamp, you will need more light. A sunny windowsill should be fine.