Question 1

Why do I need to fertilize my Sweet basil?

Accepted Answer

All plants need nutrients to grow, but some types are able to take what they need and don’t need any supplementation with fertilizers. Sweet basil, like other plants, use nutrients to support growth and all internal processes.

Each of the main nutrients that plants use (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) contribute to one or more of a plant’s essential functions, and in the case of foliage it is nitrogen that provides the most support. It can be difficult for a Sweet basil to get enough nitrogen from the soil, which is why many gardeners prefer to supplement by feeding Sweet basil with a source of nitrogen.

Question 2

When is the best time to fertilize my Sweet basil?

Accepted Answer

Sweet basil generally grows well, but a fertilizer can be applied about once a month to give the plant a boost when it is actively growing. You should fertilize Sweet basil about once a month only during the spring and summer months, but not during fall and winter when it becomes less active and does not use as many nutrients.

You’ll know when to start fertilizing Sweet basil if you see signs of new growth. The fertilization schedule remains the same whether the plant is grown outside or indoors in a container. However, if your Sweet basil is in a container, you probably will not need to fertilize for the first one to two months. Potting soil made for container plants already contains plenty of nutrients, so you should only start to fertilize after your plant has been in the same soil for a while.

Question 3

When should I avoid fertilizing my Sweet basil?

Accepted Answer

Never fertilize your Sweet basil if it is not healthy, for example if it has developed a disease or has insect pests on it. Also do not fertilize a dehydrated plant, since the fertilizer will make this problem even worse. Only fertilize healthy plants.

Do not splash fertilizer onto the leaves or stem of this plant when watering, since it can cause burned spots. Be careful not to allow the fertilizer to make direct contact with the plant, unless you are usually a special fertilizer designed to be applied to the foliage.

Question 4

What type of fertilizer does my Sweet basil need?

Accepted Answer

Fertilizers contain high levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, along with other essential nutrients such as iron, manganese and zinc. These are all necessary elements that promote growth in Sweet basil.

A balanced fertilizer works well for Sweet basil, for example an all-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK number. For natural fertilizers, blood meal or worm castings work well. You may also choose a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen than other nutrients, such as fish fertilizer. Nitrogen provides support to leaves, which are the main feature that people want from Sweet basil. There is no point in providing a lot of supplements for flowers or seeds if that is not your purpose in growing the plant.

Question 5

What happens if I fertilize my Sweet basil too much?

Accepted Answer

Over-fertilization leads to a build-up of salts in the soil which leads to a lack of vitality overall and pale coloration in the leaves. Leaves may also wilt or develop brown tips as the excess salt from the fertilizer tries to make its way out of the leaves.

Too much fertilizer makes it impossible for the plant to take up water and nutrients, which will eventually kill it if you don’t take steps to save your Sweet basil. If the Sweet basil is in a container, you could either remove it from the pot and repot it in fresh potting mix, or flush out the soil by running a lot of water through and letting it drain out thoroughly.

If your Sweet basil is outdoors, the same theory applies, although it can be more difficult to flush outdoor soil. Water thoroughly and hold off on fertilizing again for a while. You may want to perform a soil test before you add any more fertilizer to make sure you don’t provide too much of any one nutrient.

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How do I fertilize my Sweet basil?

More Questions About Sweet basil

Why do I need to fertilize my Sweet basil?

When is the best time to fertilize my Sweet basil?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Sweet basil?

What type of fertilizer does my Sweet basil need?

What happens if I fertilize my Sweet basil too much?