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Herbs

Thai Basil growing guide

Aromatic basil with anise-clove notes, widely used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. More heat tolerant than sweet basil.

Photo reference

Use this real-world photo as the main plant reference, then compare it with the botanical drawings below for leaf, flower and harvest details.

Thai Basil real-world photo reference (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
Wikimedia Commons · user:Risacher · CC BY-SA 3.0
5-10 daysGermination
45-70 daysHarvest
30 cmSpacing
0.5 cmSow depth
FullSun
TenderFrost
2 cm/weekWater
6-7.5pH

Planting calendar by climate

Use these windows as a public guide. Plotera can personalise tasks around your saved garden, location and planting dates.

ClimateSowTransplant / PlantHarvest
TropicalJan - DecJan - DecJan - Dec
SubtropicalJul - OctSep - DecNov - May
MediterraneanAug - OctOct - DecDec - Apr
TemperateMar - MayMay - JunJul - Oct
CoolApr - MayJunAug - Oct
AridJul - SepSep - OctNov - Mar

Botanical reference

Compare the whole plant first, then check the leaf, flower and harvest detail to identify what Thai Basil should look like as it grows.

Thai Basil whole plant

Whole plant

Overall shape, height, branching and growth habit.

Thai Basil leaf detail

Leaf detail

Leaf shape, edges, colour and vein pattern.

Thai Basil flower detail

Flower detail

Flower colour, structure and where blooms appear.

Thai Basil harvest / detail

Harvest / detail

Fruit, root, seed, pod or the strongest identifying feature.

Cooking and eating ideas

A quick garden-to-table guide for using Thai Basil after harvest.

Raw / fresh

Use fresh leaves raw as garnish, in salads, dressings, pestos, chutneys, teas, and herb sauces.

Cooked

Add near the end of cooking to soups, curries, stir-fries, eggs, noodles, or sauces to keep aroma bright.

Store / preserve

Freeze, dry, make pesto, herb oil, vinegar, infused salt, or paste.

Try: Fresh garnish, Pesto or chutney, Herb tea, Infused oil.

Good companions

Tomato, Chilli Pepper, Eggplant

Avoid near

Rue

Growing note

Pinch tips often and remove flowers for bushier leaf growth.

Turn garden notes into a living plan.

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