By Debben25
United Kingdom 
Hi,
I have recently planted celosia caracas, one in a pot and another in a well drained bed. Within a week of planting, the leaves have become brown and wilted and the purple flowers have turned grey.
I am also struggling with my basil in the herb garden. All the other herbs have taken well but my basil just dies within days. Obviously I am a novice gardener but trying my best and not having much luck. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.
21 May, 2015
Answers
I keep my basil on the window sill as there is always the risk of frost up here...
21 May, 2015
Thank you for your comments. Should I remove the celosia and re plant a new one in a few weeks or leave them where they are and pray for a miracle? I'm guessing there is little hope .... I will keep my replacement basil indoors for now.
21 May, 2015
If there's any life left in the Celosia, you'd be best off digging it up and putting it back in a pot, then taking it inside till its warmer. You'd need to cut back the really dead parts, maybe it'll grow again if the roots aren't damaged.
21 May, 2015
That's lovely, I will pot them and give it a go. Thank you so much for your help.
21 May, 2015
Both the plants you describe are only half hardy - meaning they don't like cold temperatures, so its likely they've been suffering badly with our poor temperatures this May, particularly overnight, outdoors. Best kept inside until the weather warms up.
The usual time for putting this sort of plant outdoors is 31st May or 1st June, when all risk of frost is past. Doesn't mean we won't get any frost, but its less likely.
21 May, 2015