Seed Collection: Thai Basil

Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) is a spicy, anise-liquorice flavoured basil, which is also known as horapa in the Thai language. With their lovely purple stems and purple-veined leaves on a shiny, dark green background, these plants are not only grown for their culinary uses but also as ornamental specimens. Thai Basil is widely used in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, including Thai, Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian cuisines. It is best when eaten rawin fact, a plate of raw Thai Basil leaves is often served as an accompaniment to the Vietnamese dish called pho. The plant is said to have the ability to convey good fortune to its user while also protecting him or her from evil spirits. If a leaf is placed in one’s pocket, it will cause money to enter one’s pocket soon thereafter.

NAME
Basil

VARIETY
Thai

QUANTITY
120 seeds

PLANT SIZE
Height 40 cm
Width 20 cm

CONTAINER SIZE
Height 20 cm
Width 20 cm

COMPANION PLANT
Tomatoes, peppers, oregano, parsley, garlic chives, alpine strawberries

SOWING
Indoor Feb-Mar
Outdoor Apr-June

TIMING
Germination 5-10 days
Harvesting 40-60 days

SPACING
When sowing 1-3 cm; Depth 0,3 cm
When thinning 3-5 cm

GROWING
Sunligth Full sun to partial shade
Soil Well-drained, light and moist soil
Watering Regular watering, not overdone
Feeding Light feeder

CARING
Expert tip To promote a nice bushy plant with lots of scented leaves, prune this basil early and often by pinching off the upper set of leaves. Cut the flowers off to prevent the leaves from becoming bitter.