Patty, I have a few basil plants growing outside in a small raised bed and are doing fine. Have a lot of violets indoors and other house plants, don't have the gnats either. With the plants inside, I let them get dry before I water again, just a couple of inches. If I see a problem, then I put a drop or two of Dr Bonners peppermint soap in the water that I am going to use.

Silvia

I live in a diff area of FL. Its been raining just about every day the last few weeks and very hot and humid. I grow several different kinds of basil. I buy the cheap seeds from H. Depot or Lowes etc. Mine haven't had any disease issues. They do seem to grow much larger and faster planted in the ground vs pots. I think they like the sandy soil with a little amendments added better than straight rich potting soil. I dont know if this helps or not lol.

Thanks, all, for your comments. In truth, I have never grown any basil from seed. I have been buying plants from my produce market (which they raise themselves) or my local (not a big box store) garden center and replant them in bigger pots.

I am intrigued to learn that those who responded have had no problems with the blight. Maybe it's time for me to start raising basil from seed to see how things go.

I too grow basil from seed every year and have never had any problems. I sow my seeds, late Feb or early March, harvest it sometine in June by cutting it about 4" above the soil and get a second but smaller harvest about now.

I gave up on growing the basil indoors—none of the plants were flourishing. I transplanted three of the pots to one large pot, put 2 out as is, and even planted some seeds. All are growing like the proverbial weed with not a hint of mold (yet!). Plus the gnat population indoors has greatly decreased. If you hear nothing more from me on the subject you can assume the mold did not attack. However, if it does return you can expect to hear my howls all over the state. :-)