Basil plant seems to be on the way out - can anyone help?

Electric

Hi,

I bought a basil plant a couple of weeks ago with the intentions of making my own pesto. Everything seemed grand for a while but lately brown spots have started appearing on the leaves and the leaves eventually turn completely brown, wither and fall off.

This is happening to about 25% of the leaves but it seems to be increasing.

I know nothing about plants, but I don't think it's due to watering as I've tried increasing and decreasing the amount of water I give the plant, but the leaves continue to wither - of course I could be completely wrong about that.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

byhookorbycrook

Basil plants are Annuals, the plant you got was most likely a hot-house plant and growing "out of season".

Electric

So I don't need to do anything just leave it to grow away as it is?

magicbastarder

those basil plants are usually sold with the intention of being used within a few days of purchase; often, you'll find there are several plants crammed into a tiny pot, too, so they suffer from overcrowding.

Electric

There are about 8 stems of plant in the pot, should I separate them?

sofia11

I bought a basil plant in Lidl a few months ago and I transferred it to a bigger pot and it sits on the kitchen window and is still growing and 3 times the size. It seems to need frequent watering and plenty sunlight, I didn't expect it to last this long, it looks like some of them survive anyway. Hope this helps.

Electric

I bought the plant in Tesco, it's sitting on the windowsill and I water it very regularly. The only thing I haven't done is transfer it to a bigger pot so that could be worth trying.

I'm wondering should I remove the half withered leaves or leave them alone?