Is the pot too small? And can you place the basil in the ground rather than a pot?

i would say it needs more sun. we grow it yr round in hydroponic units and pots on irrigation drip here in orlando in full blazing sun. i probably have atleast 10 kinds growing right now. if the leaves turn black (or have black spots first), stay soft then turn brown and dry up you have fungal issues and need more sun to dry the plant out. basil has always been a staple in my gardens even in chicago. i used to have it in 10" pots on the outside steps up to my rooftop porch, they gave off scent as you walked up the steps. i watered it daily even up there, they baked in the full sun and got very dry but loved it. ~ liz

The pots were 6" pots. Quite a nice size, and they weren't rootbound at all. In the ground....nope. Live on the 7th floor.

I was equating this with growing on the windowsill. Has anyone had good luck on the windowsills?

You're not alone, Jasdip! I had the same experience this summer. If I didn't kill the basil outright, then it must have been suicide. All I know is that it wasn't a bit interested in my pesto plans.

I was given little starts of basil two months ago at a horticultural event. I put them together in a bigger pot with potting soil.

They are on our porch in full sun and surviving, although I need to water them almost every day in this heat. They are growing rather slowly and I am thinking about giving them a tiny bit of organic fertilizer.

I have rosemary on the porch too, and it is nice to be able to pick a bit of fresh herbs for our cooking when we need them.

Gosh, here in 100 degree weather mine is one of the few things surviving. It's in partial shade and gets a little morning sun.

I just got back home from Colorado and New Mexico, and my basil looks GREAT. While I was gone, it was really hot here, 100+ days several days in a row. I have a soaker hose in the ground.

I am like you, and have no luck with basil indoors. It usually dies, before the next spring.

Sorry, no help.

Moni

Jasdip,
Here in Texas basil is one of the few plants that actually like the heat we have! Your basil problem may be the type of basil you are getting. Genovese is the sturdiest, I've found. Globe, African and small-leaved basils are more ticklish to grow.
May I suggest that you post your question on the herb forum? You may get the answer to your problem.
I've never had luck growing basil inside, and believe me, I've tried!

Mine is in the blasting 90 degree sun and doing fine. I have to keep chopping the blooms off. Honestly, I don't know what to do with basil as far as cooking goes. It smells good when I put my hands on it though.

I agree Socks, the smell is awesome whenever I walked near it and touched it.

Make bruschetta, and chop lots of basil into it.
Roasted tomato soup with lots of fresh basil added into it at the end. Basil in the food processor with pine nuts and oil to make pesto if you like pesto with your pasta for a change.
Put some basil leaves on top of your pizza.

put some small basil leaves on your sandwich, instead of, or on top of using salad.

Yum, zesty!

Moni

And if you want a great treat for burgers: slice a tomato, drizzle with olive oil, then lay a few torn pieces of fresh basil on the slices. I usually layer tomato and onion slices and leave them on the counter for a few hours before serving. A good slice of each with some fresh arugula on a grilled burger.....YUM!

Basil goes against the grain of most herbs....it wants good, well drained soil and plenty of light, this is one herb that won't tolerate neglect. I can't grow it in the house either, not enough light and warmth. It likes heat.

I grow basil indoors in my kitchen. My herbs are in pots on a server in front of a large window with an eastern exposure.

The basil/parsley and chives are all doing just great.

No help, but I LOVE basil!

Jasdip, I'm wondering if you might be overwatering it? I've done that when bringing it indoors for the winter. Either that or you probably have a fungal disease in your soil you're trying to use for it like Liz mentioned. Once it gets going it can use a lot of water, especially in full sun like it likes, but.. when getting started I've seen it get drown too.

Mine grows well on the porch in the summer and in a south window in the winter. Have to keep it moist.