I keep my basil plants on the windowsill, in a wooden box, where there is always sunlight. It's growing great but I've noticed tiny black bugs on some of the leaves. Now if you’re producing basil for personal use then this might not be a … Question by daprile November 13, 1998. Very often the cause of tiny black spots on your leaves is due to insects feeding on the leaves and the tiny black spots is the faces that these little creatures leave behind. Black spots on basil leaves are most commonly caused by 1) leaf miners feeding and/or leaving droppings on the leaves such thrips, aphids 2) fungi or bacteria-induced disease like the Cercospora leaf spot 3) high humidity environment 4) sunburn or 5) cold damage. #3 Aphids or black bugs feed on weeds, so pull down weeds surrounding your tomato plant. The annual herb basil (Ocimum basilicum) is prized for its large, succulent leaves. Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is a short lived annual or perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae grown for its leaves which are used as a herb.The basil plant grows from a thick taproot and has silky green opposite (paired) oval leaves which grow to be 3–11 cm (1.2–4.3 in) long and 1–6 cm (0.4–2.4 in), branching out from the central stem. Basil plants can get into various types of problems. Basil is an insect repellent herb and is used to repel various insects. As mentioned above about dealing with spider mites, you can use natural products to easily rid your basil plant of aphids. I just brought my parsley in from outside. Rather than rushing to the nearest chemist and purchasing some chemical pesticides, it is better to opt for less harsh solutions for the problem. Room temperature is kept at about 25-28C, and I water when the soil is dry (every 2 days or so). I tear the leaves off but a few days later the bugs return. However, this doesn’t mean that the plant is immune to diseases. Many gardeners use basil as a companion crop to protect their plants from pest attacks. What are they and what can I do about them? https://www.gardeningchannel.com/black-spots-on-basil-leaves Examine your basil plants to catch bugs in the act, if possible, so that you know which bugs are munching on your plants. However, when the life of its own plant is in danger, it requires the help of insecticides. Basil leaves have black tiny spots that look like insect feces. Aphids are very common garden pests that look like moving dots on the leaves. #2 Plant herbs like basil, cabbage, marigold or nasturtiums beside tomato plants to repel aphids and flea beetles. Westmont, NJ. For example, if your plant has aphids, you'll have to look hard to spot them. And black spots on basil is one of those. Basil is a pretty common detox. You can use the same neem oil spray you used for the little black bugs, or you can make an even simpler remedy. Search for these soft-bodied insects if your basil plant's leaves look deformed or are turning yellow. Black Bugs on Parsley - Knowledgebase Question. Generally speaking, basil should not attract too many bugs or insects. Your options for… Originating from India, basil plant leaves may be found in a plethora of cuisines from Italian to Thai and can be used to flavor foods, vinegars, oils, teas, and even to scent soap. I had this problem with one of my basil plants, and I don’t need to tell you that the leaves are no longer fit for consumption. However, given that most basil plants are relatively small, bug infestations are easy to deal with. ... That was the only leave with any bugs on it. hayla. A relative to mint, basil (Ocimum basilicum) has become one of the most popular, easy-to-grow and versatile of garden herbs. 6 years ago. Unfortunately, that tender foliage also tempts insects that can ruin individual leaves, or even entire plants. #4 You can just pluck large insects using gardening gloves, but tiny black bugs should be removed by spraying natural pesticides. The leaves also produce eugenol, an aromatic blend that makes basil leaves tasty to us but unpalatable to most bugs. Not all bugs eating basil are large enough to spot and grab easily. All basil is heat- and sun-loving, regardless of variety. Basil oil is often used as an insect repellent.