Basil with Brown Tip

[MasonSebastian]

Hi there. I am growing herbs under 84 watts of T5 (6 x 14w, 4 cool daylight and 2 warm white). I just also finished a reflector louver and I think they are getting a significant amount of light. However, my basil plants, which are atleast 5" tall are having problems with tips going brown and curl in. This is inside the house and I am using a sterilized seed starting mix. Any help is really appreciated.

[rainbowgardener]

Basil can be sensitive that way. Either too much or too little water can cause that. Also sometimes if your water has high chlorine/fluoride count, that can cause it. You can test that by leaving your water sit at least over night before you use it, see if that helps clear it up.

Over fertilizing with nitrogen could do that. You said it was in sterile seed starting mix. Have you been fertilizing? Basil does not like real rich soil or much fertilizer, preferring lean and sandy. But it will be needing some nutrients if is in sterile mix.

[MasonSebastian]

I do not plan on fertilizing the basil, still looking for nutrient substitute like well rotten fish remains and organic stuff (veggie peelings). Since it is being grown indoors, temperatures are not that hot compared to outside so I just water it twice a week. I am also thinking of transplanting it on a coco peat since it retains water compared to the ones I am using now (soil-less, coco husk medium). Thanks for the response

[imafan26]

Basil needs the soil to drain well so be sure not to over water. Most herbs are not particularly heavy feeders and don't need very much. It sounds like you are getting enough light, how far away are the plants from the light source? If they are too close to the fixture the tips could be burning from that.

[Susan W]

For me, basil is the one different from most other herbs. It needs more nourishment, water, and doses of N. For N I try to 'fish' mine 7 - 10 days. I use the deoderized fish stuff, comes in qt containers from the box store. For basils I am trying to grow inside, usually 1/2 successful, use a regular potting mix (Fafards, Miracle Grow, Vigaro).

When starting from seed, start in peat pellets, after up, just a few days, about 1/week water with diluted Miracle Grow, Johns Recipe or fish. When they have true leaves and big enough, go to 4" pots with one of the potting mixes mentioned above. In time they will go to larger pots, or in the try-to-sell group at the market.

It is easy to over water when plants inside. You just have to figure that out by watching the plant.

Hope this helps

[MasonSebastian]

I hope over watering is not an issue though. Sometimes, I see the leaves sagging and feel like wilting, that is the sign I have to water it. Anyway, I just snipped the leaves with brown tips. They look healthy btw

[MasonSebastian]

Hi there guys. I am having a problem again on my herbs, anyone willing to help, kindly follow this link ->https://helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewto ... any%20help Thanks!