What Causes Droopy Leaves in Basil?

Light

• Many herbs, including basil, hail from the Mediterraean region of the world. These conditions provide plants with well-draining soil and bright sunlight. Produce healthy basil by replicating these conditions as closely as possible. Basil requires full sunlight, at least eight hours of bright, direct sun each day. Choose an open, unshaded location for your basil plants. Remember that as the season progresses taller plants and herbs may overshadow basil. Plan for future growth and site basil accordingly. Basil leaves will fail to thrive without proper light.

Soil

• Soil must be kept moist, weed free and rich. Incorporate compost into basil beds before planting seeds or transplants. Basil plants require deep watering every seven to 10 days. Though basil requires moisture, water must not stand in the pot or the growing area. Poorly draining conditions and excess watering is a major contributor to diseases like bacterial leaf spot.

  Compost is high in organic matter, which helps keep the soil rich in nutrients and microorganisms. Basil will not grow well in thin, sandy soils or in dense, heavy soils. Amend poor soils with compost prior to planting. Mulch the area surrounding basil, taking care not to place mulch against the plant's stem. Mulch retains uniform moisture and inhibits weed growth, but placing mulch against the plant's base increases the risk of fungal infections and stem rot. Avoid fertilizing basil. Heavy fertilization interferes with basil's scent and flavor.

Fungus

• Fusarium wilt is a fungal infection that presents suddenly when plants are, at most, 12 inches tall. Leaves wilt, turn brown and die. The fungus is spread through contaminated seed. Infected plants feature brown, cracked stems as well as wilt. If your basil is wilting, take a sample to your local university extension for diagnosis. Garden areas exposed to fusarium wilt will continue to contaminate future basil crops for years. Proper diagnosis is essential as this will enable you to take proper control methods.

Indoor Basil

• Indoor basil plants require the same growing conditions as herbs found outdoors -- bright light, warmth and water. Indoor lighting lacks the intensity of outdoor light so indoor basil must be exposed to indoor light for 10 to 12 hours daily. Low light conditions result in drooping leaves. Water containerized basil with greater frequency than you would outdoor plants. Containers, especially those in low humidity households, dry out quickly. Plant basil in well-draining containers and keep the growing medium uniformly moist to the touch. Avoid placing basil near drafts and windows as cold air will damage leaves.