Growing Basil in Tropical Climates
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Adrian Baker
Posted on: August 06, 2006

I have just move from the south of France to Singapore. While in France, I enjoyed a Medieranean diet with lots of fresh basil (which I had growing on my terrace). However here in Singapore I find basil is not available in shops. I have some seeds and am trying to grow it in pots but its not looking good.

I suspect the herb needs more than 12 hours of daylight to survive. Do you have any suggestions?

I disagree. Basil grows wild in tropical areas such as West Africa, Peru and India -- all falling within 20 degrees latitude of Singapore where daylength does not vary by much through the year.

Some reasons you may have problems growing basil include excessive moisture and humidity, poor drainage, lack of nutrients or too much fertilizer, fusarium-infested seeds.

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