Spicy herbs - basil - are not always easy to grow on the first try. The seeds of a capricious plant do not germinate well, the seedlings develop slowly or even die. Most often this happens when inexperienced summer residents make a number of mistakes. To avoid these problems, you need to heed the recommendations of experts.
I recommend reading: Tomato tops - can be used, not thrown away
Problem 1. Poor seed germination
First of all, you should choose fresh seeds for planting. If the seedlings have sprouted partially or did not germinate at all, this means that the planting material is old or too deeply embedded in the soil.
Important! For planting, you need to use a loose, well-permeable soil containing humus and coarse sand or vermiculite.
Problem 2. Sprouts develop poorly or have died
Stunted seedlings that lie on the ground are most likely a sign of a disease. Often, seedlings at the initial stage of development are affected by a fungal infection - a black leg. This disease is easier to prevent than to cure.
Therefore, before sowing basil, the soil must be treated with a fungicidal preparation. During the growing season, it is important to monitor the condition of the soil and avoid waterlogging. In addition, for irrigation, use settled water at room temperature.
Infected seedlings must be removed, and the remaining ones must be treated with a fungicide. The soil should also be disinfected with the same preparation.
Problem 3. Seedlings grow slowly after picking
The procedure for planting seedlings should be carried out carefully so as not to damage their roots. An incorrect pick deprives young sprouts of adequate nutrition. It is advisable to plant seedlings with a small earthen clod.
In the new place, the soil around the plant should be slightly compacted and then moistened abundantly. The next watering is carried out as the top layer of the soil dries out.
Problem 4. The seedlings are covered with blue-red spots
The appearance of blue-red spots on the green sprouts of the basil indicates a phosphorus deficiency. To remedy the situation, the planting container is placed in a warm place, while not forgetting to protect the plants from cold drafts. After that, the seedlings are fed with fertilizer containing phosphorus, observing the dosage according to the instructions.
Problem 5. The stalks of young shoots are stretched out
Seedling stems stretch for several reasons. Firstly, it can be provoked by excessive feeding with nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Water the plants abundantly to flush the mineral out of the soil. And in the future - strictly adhere to the recommended dosages.
In addition, the shoots of the basil can stretch out due to the dense planting. Fragile sprouts shade each other and interfere with receiving adequate nutrition and moisture. The optimum distance between seeds is 0.5 cm.
Another reason for the poor development of seedlings is insufficient lighting. Dry air and high temperatures also negatively affect the seedlings. It is necessary to ventilate the room daily, and, if necessary, provide the plants with artificial light.
Attention! The lack of light is indicated by the pale coloration of the plants.
Sometimes seedlings stretch out due to lack of nutrients in the soil. In this case, it is worth feeding the weak sprouts with a mineral complex: "Aquamarine", "Solution" or others. This will help the seedlings to strengthen the root system through which the plant receives nutrition.
Problem 6. Basil leaves turned yellow or burned
If the tops of the seedlings begin to turn yellow, this is a signal that they lack nitrogen. Young shoots need to be fed with a solution of urea or ammonium nitrate. For this, 1 tbsp. l. fertilizers are diluted in 10 liters of water. Top dressing is carried out twice a month at regular intervals.
You should also monitor the condition of the soil - it should be moderately moist. If necessary (heat, dry air), the seedlings can be sprayed with water at room temperature.
Problem 7. The seedlings are overgrown
Strongly elongated seedlings do not root well in the garden. To prevent the growth and development of the plant from slowing down, pinch overgrown seedlings above 6-8 leaves. In addition, gradual hardening of plants gives a good effect.
To slightly slow down the growth of elongated shoots, you can move the containers with seedlings to a cooler room, stop feeding, and also reduce watering.
Growing quality basil seedlings is not that difficult. You just need to adhere to the rules of agricultural technology and the recommendations of experienced gardeners.
Do you know how to avoid problems when growing basil?
Original articleand many other materials, you can find on ourwebsite.
Read also: How to use baking soda for a rich currant crop