What it is
Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum thyrsiflora) is in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. Holds up to heat better than sweet basil and brings a licorice note to Southeast Asian cooking.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it even, and give it rich soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 10–12 in apart. Expect roughly 60–80. Warm-season annual.
How it's used
Thai Basil is used: fresh in stir-fry, pho, curries.
🔎 How to identify it
- Narrow leaves, purple stems
- Purple flower spikes
- Anise-licorice scent
Edibility
PartsLeaves
UsesFresh in stir-fry, pho, curries
CautionNone.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.