Wilted Basil Plants

Pests

• Basil is a pest-resistant plant, but that does not mean it never succumbs to problems with pests and disease. Japanese beetles, aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers and nematodes are some of the pests that affect basil plants. Handpicking, beneficial insects, neem oil and pyrethrum sprays will control most basil pests. Before application, it is important to follow the manufacturer's directions for use on food crops.

Too Much Water

• Basil prefers a consistent amount of soil moisture. Overwatering it or planting it in poorly drained areas will cause it to wilt before it succumbs to root rot and death. Providing well-drained soil will prevent this problem.

Too Little Water

• By allowing the soil to become bone dry, you make it difficult for basil to grow properly. Infrequent, deep watering will make the plants send down deeper roots -- this makes the basil more tolerant of missed watering. Using 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch will conserve moisture as well.

Too Much Fertilizer

• Too much fertilizer will burn the roots of basil and its neighboring plants. Plants suffering from too much fertilizer will wilt and eventually die. Flushing the soil with plain water will dilute the excess fertilizer.

Disease

• Botrytis, fusarium wilt and root rot will cause wilted plants. Using sterile soils, pots and gardening utensils will prevent the contamination of plants. Good air circulation, proper temperature and humidity will further protect plants.