Thai Basil

Thai sweet basil has an anise-like aroma and often purple stems. It is distinct from holy basil, which belongs to another species.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

45–65 days

Tips

• Buy Thai sweet basil, not holy basil by mistake.
• Pinch above leaf pairs.
• Remove flowers when leafy growth is the priority.
• Harvest before cold nights slow growth.
• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or transplant after nights consistently stay above 50°F, spacing plants 10-12 inches apart.
• Water when the surface begins to dry, keeping the root zone moist but never soggy.
• Pinch stems just above a pair of leaves and remove flower buds promptly.
• Leave space for airflow and remove plants with yellowing leaves and gray-purple growth underneath, signs of downy mildew.
• Harvest leafy stem tips regularly, leaving several healthy leaf pairs on each plant.

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