When gaps or holes in basil leaves have been discovered, the time for action is now! The good news is that they are fairly easy to get (and keep!) Azadiractin products (such as Align, Azatin, Neemex, Ornazin, or Gordon’s Azatrol) will control numerous insect pests on basil, including aphids, beetles, thrips, spider mites and whiteflies. under control. To be healthy and happy, a basil plant needs roughly six hours of sun. Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, providing you can give it enough light. Alternatively, basil does exceptionally well under lights also, and with a regular compact fluorescent bulb, you can grow enough basil to keep your kitchen stocked all year round. You can bring your basil indoors, and this can help protect them from pests. However, there are several diseases that could cause leaf damage leading to yield lost, especially in high humidity conditions when basils are very sensitive. Whiteflies are small insects that are detectable when you touch or go by the plant, flying up and around your basil. Basil needs a full-sun site and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Aphids mainly feed on tender new growth, causing the leaves to appear malformed. Also, pinch off the top set of leaves to encourage lateral growth. Some gardeners use basil for pest control because the strong aroma can have a repellent effect. Let’s learn more about the pests associated with most basil leaf damage. Aphids are small semi-transparent green (they may also be yellow, red, brown or black) insects that spread disease from plant to plant while sucking the sap from leaves, stems and flowers. Alternatively, basil may be sprayed with azadiractin, which is a natural product extracted from Neem trees. Basil Diseases: Various pests Basil is a popular herb prized for its flavorful foliage, mostly in cooking. Basil is generally safe from most of the regular pests and diseases, but keep an eye on aphids, you can easily handpick them and squeeze their soft body. Pests are uncommon with basil grown indoors but can still occur. 4. The most likely pests that might affect your indoor basil plant are whiteflies. Hi folks -- outside of Boston in addition to my outdoor herb plants I've just started growing oregano, basil, thyme and marjoram indoors under grow lights, with stem cuttings from my outdoor plants. If you see a cloud of tiny white insects fly out of the plant when you brush the leaves, the place is infected. However, basil plants need a lot of light. Always remove basil’s flowers as it allows the plant to direct its energy towards more foliage growth. Just put one plant in a pot, and place them in areas where the bugs, pests, or insects often are and you’re good to go! So far they're doing ok but now I sure do understand all the warnings about insects often being a problem with indoor … Tear The Leaves Into Pieces. Can I bring my basil plant indoors? Basils can be grown indoors and out in the garden and are easy to look after. Indoor plant pests can be annoying and aggravating, to say the very least. Indoors, any healthy basil plant can get you around two months of fresh basil, possibly longer. The most frequent assaulters of your precious basil plant leaves are … Taking great care of your basil is just a matter of giving it a proper location and adequate nurture. Holes in Basil Leaves and Basil Pests. ... Pests and Diseases that Steal Nutrients from the Soil and the Plant Fungus Gnats. For instance, always examine a plant before you buy it, and especially before you bring it indoors. Don't squeeze basil between other plants. A more effective way of using basil as a repellent is by shedding its leaves. As with many other herbs, basil is a true sun-lover—give it four hours of light each day, and it will thrive. A vigorous, healthy basil plant resists pests better than a weak one. Pests and Diseases. Give it ample elbow room to allow good air movement. In most climates, this means you’ll need to find your sunniest window. Small green insects around the stem of your plant indicate that you have an aphid problem.