How to Rejuvenate Basil Plants That Are Taken Inside
- 1). Move the basil plants to an interim location as autumn frosts begin. Place the basil plants in a garage or a shed overnight when the weather dips down below 40 degrees F. Move the basil plants back out in the sunshine during the daytime hours. Continue this transitional placement for two weeks.
- 2). Cut back the basil plant after the two weeks elapse. Trim the top quarter to top third of growth, including any blossoms, from the basil plant. This will encourage the basil plant to put forth new growth as you move it indoors.
- 3). Place the basil plant in a sunny window. If you do not have a southern exposure window, place the basil in an eastern or western exposure window. If this is not applicable, place the basil under a grow light for six to eight hours each day.
- 4). Keep the temperature at approximately 70 degrees F during the day and between 50 and 60 degrees F overnight. These temperatures will simulate a favorable outdoor growing environment.
- 5). Watch the basil plant as it acclimates to the indoor environment. If new growth appears, fertilize the basil plant by mixing the fertilizer with water at half of the strength recommended on the package label. Pour the fertilizer onto the soil around the basil plant. Continue to fertilize the basil plant once each month as long as the plant is actively growing.
- 6). Water the basil plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Do not overwater, however, and drain any extra water from the saucer beneath the planting container to keep the basil roots from sitting in water.
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