Basil sunburn is a common problem that many gardeners experience. The leaves of the basil plant turn brown and crispy, and it loses its flavor. This is a nightmare for any gardener who wants to use basil in a recipe.

Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to treat your basil plant through sunburn and prevent further damage from occurring. This article will go over how to deal with this issue in your basil plants.

How to Deal With Basil Sunburn?

There are a few things that you can do to prevent basil sunburn. Firstly, you can place them in an area where they will get more shade during peak hours of sunlight exposure, or consider planting a different type of herb instead if this is a recurring issue.

Secondly, you can prune the basil plants to increase airflow and reduce moisture accumulation on the leaves of your plant. Lastly, there are some chemical sprays that will help prevent sunburns on your basil leaves as well!

Can Basil Get Too Much Sun?

Yes, basil can get too much sun. If you notice brown spots on your basil leaves, that means the plant is getting too much sunlight and needs to be moved into a shadier location.

I recommend giving 6-8 hours of sun a day. If you need to, consider pruning your basil plants more often so there are fewer leaves blocking sunlight from penetrating the plant.

When Is Basil Sunburn Likely To Occur?

Sunburn is likely to occur when you leave your basil plants in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Basil leaves are particularly sensitive to sun damage during the summer months, which can lead to dehydration and eventual burning or browning of the plant’s leaves.

What Are The Signs Of Basil Sunburn?

The most obvious sign of basil sunburn is browning or crispy-looking leaves. They will also be more limp and droopy than usual, as well as wrinkled up on the surface.

It’s important to note that if you allow your basil plant to remain out in the sun for an extended period of time, browning leaves will become more and more evident until they eventually wither away.

Can Basil Recover From Sunburn?

Yes! If you see signs of sun damage, there are things that you can do to prevent further burning.

The first step is to move the plant to a shadier location that is blocked from direct exposure to the sun. If you can, consider taking the plant inside to avoid further sun damage!

The second step is to prune your basil plants more frequently. This will allow for better airflow and reduce moisture build-up on the leaves of your plant, which contributes to burning.

You can also use more water and mist the leaves of your plant to help them retain moisture. Basil plants tend to recover well when cared for properly, so be sure not to give up hope!

Will Burned Basil Leaves Turn Green Again?

No, it is unlikely for burned basil leaves to turn green again. Once the plant’s leaves are browned, they cannot be reversed.

If you take steps to cool burned basil plants down and reduce moisture levels on your plants’ leaves, however, it is possible for your whole plant to recover! I recommend misting the plant with water every day to help keep its leaves hydrated until new growth appears.

Will Sunburn Affect The Basil Plant’s Lifespan?

Basil plants are not perennial, so they will stop growing once they are harvested at the end of the growing season.

The average lifespan of a basil plant is usually about four to six months, but this depends largely on how well you take care of them.

However, a sunburned basil plant is unlikely to live as long, especially if left untreated. This is why it is important to move the plant into a shadier location and prune your basil plants more frequently.

Can I Eat Sunburned Basil Leaves?

While it’s okay to eat sunburned basil leaves, I highly recommend eating them when they are fresh and green. It is still safe to eat sunburned basil, but the plant’s leaves will not be as flavorful or fragrant!

Basil plants that have been exposed to sun damage will not taste as delicious, so you may want to only harvest from these plants when the foliage is green and healthy.

Also, burned leaves are not as attractive, which may not be great for aesthetic reasons (a huge part of cooking).

Conclusion

In conclusion, basil sunburn is a common problem that gardeners face. There are several things you can do to prevent it from happening, such as moving your plant into an area with more shade or pruning the leaves of the basil plants more frequently.

The key is to stop it from happening in the first place, which is why it’s important to make sure your basil plants are in an area where they do not receive excess sunlight.

I hope this guide has been helpful in understanding how to deal with basil sunburns!