I would tie it up to the stake and give the pot a 1/4 turn every day. Put it in the sunniest window you have. Don't water it until it is almost dry. I lost two basils already this year. Our house is on the cold side. Stick your finger halfway down the pot to see how dry/wet the soil is before you water. I always go by the weight of the pot. Lift the pot when it is dry and do that whenever you think it needs watering. That's the best way I can tell if it needs water, by the weight of the pot.

The stem is not sturdy enough to support the foliage.....insufficient light would be my first guess regarding the cause. Basil are full sun plants for the most part.

Good advice, Zackey.

This post was edited by rhizo_1 on Sun, Jan 4, 15 at 14:33

I agree with rhizo_1. And I'd harvest some of that top growth and eat it. After all that's why we grow it! That would reduce the weight on the stem and, with increased light, it can toughen up and bush out again.

Chop off its head and eat it. Then replant it outside in the garden in full sun. That pot is miles too small for a basil plant and the poor thing is trying to escape! A full-grown basil plant can get to around 40-50cm upwards and outwards. With a root system to match.

I am trying to grow sweet basil under flourescent lights indoors, do you think I should put it in a slightly bigger pot? These do not have drain holes, any advice would be helpful.

I know nothing about growing under lights. However, any container used for growing a plant must have drainage holes. Also your basil is a tiny baby and the pot is big enough for the time being.

@ zackey I already tried the turning thing, but it didn't really work. :( But I think I'll have to do the watering thing, I read once it helps establish a good root system.

@ daisyduckworth I'll have to go find myself a bigger pot! :D I'd plant it in the garden but I'm sure my puppy'd eat it.

I think I'll freeze some of the leaves for later use and try to start some new baby basils to releive it of some of the weight. I used to occasionally pinch some leaves off as it was growing so it would grow bushier . . . maybe I did it before the plant had time to establish a good stem. (oops)
Thanks everyone!!

Drainage. Be sure to add drainage holes as suggested. It is critical for good plant health.

FataMorgana