Grow a garden filled with Thai Basil, from freshly harvested Ocimum basilicum seeds. Thai Basil is both attractive and extremely fragrant, offering a sweet, Anise-like scent. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of roughly 12 to 18 inches tall, displaying dark green to red leaves. The flowers sprout atop its foliage, and are deep burgundy in color. The plants are great when planted directly outdoors, in the garden, raised beds or even in pots and containers as well. Thai Basil will also thrive in window boxes, allowing you to open up a window and snip a couple of fresh Basil leaves.
Thai Basil is categorized as an annual flowering herb, meaning the plants will establish quickly from freshly harvested Ocimum basilicum seeds. The plants will produce stems, leaves and flowers, all within a single growing season, and can be harvested in a mater of 80 days. If fresh seeds are collected from your Thai Basil plants, new plants can be established the following growing season.
Thai basil is mainly grown for its use in culinary dishes and Thai cuisine. It also serves as a beautiful ornamental plant that attracts many beneficial insects to the garden as well. Insects such as bumblebees, honeybees, hummingbirds and butterflies will be attracted to Thai Basil.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Annual
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Purple
- Height: 12″ – 18″ Tall
- Width: 24″ Spread
- Harvest: 80 Days
- Uses: Culinary
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Basil can be grown indoors or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8” under topsoil so that direct light can reach them. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm & all danger of frost passes. Check below for spacing and growth habits.
Growing Conditions
Holy Basil will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 65F or more. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting or other light water setting to avoid overwatering and/or disturbing the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Your Basil seeds will typically take up to 7 to 14 days to begin sprouting open. The plants will display a bushy, compact formation, and can reach a mature height and width of 12 to 18 inches. Space each plant roughly 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. To promote the production of additional leaves, pluck the flower heads before the blooms open up. Cut the leaves and flowers to add in many culinary dishes.