Outdoor Basil In Pot Losing Color.

Question

Outdoor basil gets plenty of sunlight and decent watering. I’ve pruned and used the cuttings to root in water indoors. They’ve been thriving green still in water with lots of root growth. However, the outdoor basil has been looking yellow light green, but no browning or wilting. No signs of disease or pests, just common garden bugs buzzing around. I uploaded a picture of the basil outdoors. First picture is 9/18/2020. Second picture is 9/13/2020 my cutting that flowered indoor. I removed the flowers after this photo. I thought maybe it was end of cycle because of the flowers, but all my cuttings in water are thriving and fully rooted indoors with bright green leaves. Third photo is 9/23/2020 where I’ve kept my indoor cuttings in water. Fourth picture is 9/4/2020 when the outdoor basils were still green. Fifth picture is 9/18/2020 the indoor cuttings in water with growing root system. Still haven’t attempted to try a taste of the light green leaf, but was wondering if it can revive to lively green again.

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Answer 1

The light green is, likely, caused by nutrient deficiency. Lack of nitrogen can cause this, so it might be time to feed the plant.

Usually, once it becomes this mature, it will start to degrade in palatability. The taste will become too astringent to be of culinary value. It is best to harvest the plant and start new seeds each time around.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/information-on-how-to-grow-basil-indoors.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm