Why is my basil turning yellow?

Question

It gets plenty of sunlight, and I keep the soil damp. It is in a pot with parsley. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Yellowing and leaf drop is the number one sign of overwatering. The soil should be allowed to dry out at least a couple inches from the top between waterings. Waterings should be a thorough soaking, followed by a complete draining. Do not put the pot back into its saucer or solid, decorative pot (no drain holes) until the drainable pot has been allowed to sit for a while and completely drain. You want no standing water in the saucer/exterior pot.

Depending on the climate you're in, you probably only have to water the plant once or twice a week. Plants take a slight drought better than they take overwatering. And, more house plants are killed from overwatering than underwatering.

Answer 2

from my experience with basil you may be overwatering it or it may actually have sunburn.  Sometimes when you water it in the hot mid days, the sun can burn them so its best to water your plants inthe early mornings or right after sunset when there is no direct sun exposure.  unless your entire basil is yellow, if its just a few leaves there shouldnt be much to worry....

Answer 3

Sounds like you are overwatering them.  Try to cut back on the amount of water you give them for a while and see if they start looking better.  Basically, if a plant turns yellow, it's overwatering, if it turns brown, it's underwatering.

Answer 4

Maybe you are overwatering it.  Is it in the house?  Basil likes two things, heat and full sun.