Tip: It is also a good rule of thumb to harvest or pinch back the stem right above a pair of leaves.

It supports the body’s natural defenses against germs, stress, and disorders of various kinds.

With their lovely purple stems and purple-veined leaves on a shiny, dark green background, Thai basil plants are grown not only for their culinary uses but also as an ornamental specimen.

Native to south east Asia, Thai Basil is widely used in the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia as the leaves stand up better to cooking than those of the more familiar Sweet Basil. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. You can really surprise yourself. Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Horapha’) has a slight anise flavor and aroma. When placing the seeds in the pot, it’s ok to let them fall and slightly pat them down in the soil. Also, the plant will start working to produce the flowers and thus your leaves will be less flavorful. Recipes online include one for making Thai basil beer and a recipe for Thai basil pesto with peanuts, rice vinegar, fish sauce and sesame oil, which will keep in the refrigerator for a week.

Soil requirements: Plants grow best in rich, moist but well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

With this knowledge, it is best to be prepared to either purchase another plant or start your own from seed in the spring. You can also crush the leaves with a mortar and pestle to maximize the herb’s hearty flavor. By Thank You Chiangmai Shop. Choose individual leaves, or snip leafy stems to the length you desire. A bunch of basil would alone be lovely, but you can also mix in other flowers from your garden or even market-bought flowers. The fragrance and unique purple stems/flowers of Thai basil make it a great choice for decorative purposes. When you harvest your growing Thai basil plant, take it down to about 6 inches (15 cm.). Thai basil can be used in a wide variety of dishes, but it’s mostly used as a garnish for chicken/beef curry. I still remember the joy of seeing my first little lily grow into a proud, tall plant. Usually, when people eat basil, they prefer the leaves.

However, when the flower-spires start to die you will want to pinch them back. Thai basil and holy basil especially are historically and culturally rich, allowing for a closer, more personal connection with your plant. We'll be back.

there are... Thai Basil vs Holy Basil – Let’s Take A Closer Look, Growing basil is a fun way to learn more about gardening, Go Hydroponic!

Mix together some crushed garlic, pine nuts, salt, Thai basil leaves, and some hard cheese with a nice Italian name, all blended with olive oil. Rosemary and Thai basil work well planted together as they enjoy similar well-drained soil, water, and fertilization. When the Thai Basil plant gains 3 to 4 inches of height, it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to flourish.

I have even seen it used as a fragrant addition to bouquets and floral arrangements. If your plants are too crowded, separate them or trim their leaves to allow for better airflow. If we look at how to plant Thai basil in the home garden, our first concern is obtaining the plants. They are added by the handful to Thai cusine and also dishes of Southeast Asia. AeroGarden Harvest Elite - Stainless Steel, AeroGarden 45w LED Grow Light Panel, Black, AeroGarden Harvest-White Indoor Hydroponic Garden, Asian Herb Garden Seed Collection - 5 Non-GMO Culinary Herb Seed Packets - Thai Basil, Lemongrass, Tokyo Long White Bunching Onion, Shishito Pepper, Slow Bolt Cilantro, BOTANICAL INTERESTS Organic Basil Holy Seed, 1 EA, 250 SIAM QUEEN THAI BASIL Ocimum Thyrsiflora HERB Flower Seeds, SIAM QUEEN THAI BASIL Ocimum Thyrsiflora Herb Seeds, 2x100g Thai holy Basil Seeds Food"pad KRA pao" Thai herb Vegetable Delicious, Thai Sweet Basil Seeds, Backyard Garden Seeds Ocimum Basilicum Seeds 100 Seed/Pack, AeroGarden Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kits, 3-Pod, Seed Ranch Flavor Co. - Thai Green (Mild-Medium) - Gourmet Organic Hot Sauce with Home-Grown Chili Peppers, Garlic, Lemongrass, Thai Ginger, Cilantro, Basil, AeroGarden Harvest 360 Indoor Hydroponic Garden, Black, Basil, Sweet Thai (1 Gram - Avg. There’s isn’t much that can go wrong. This is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, nutrient deficiency, or cold temperatures killing off parts of the leaves. Basil Plant - Thai Basil has no related products. And it’s blessed with the best upbringing a young plant can have: Miracle-Gro Head Start.

Yum! So you might lose the anise/sweet taste in the dish. This is the classic Italian basil, and the crucial ingredient for pesto!

New varieties.

Prefers a sheltered spot in the garden, in full sun, protected from wind. In containers, use premium quality potting soil.

Eleven6 Media LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. A slightly smaller plant than Sweet Basil, it is perfectly suited for containers. If you want a plant to be able to pick off and throw onto a plate, you want to go with Thai basil. If you know what you’re looking for, it shouldn’t be an issue. Growing Thai Basil from Cuttings. If you are interested in learning more about using herbs or other garden flowers in arrangements and bouquets, I would suggest this book by Erin Benzakein of Floret. If that is the case you can always start them from seed.

Sun is a key ingredient. Planting: Space 8 to 18 inches apart, depending on type. If they die and dry out, then your plant will “go to seed” and think it is time to die. You’re seeing this ad based on the product’s relevance to your search query. The plant will thrive in USDA growing zones 5-10. Many thanksMalcolm Ranson, Stockport. Featuring smaller, pointed matte leaves, the plant is easy to distinguish from the glossy plump leaves of the sweet basil. Remember to keep the plant warm and to pinch out growing tips to promote bushier plants and to delay flowering. long on purple stems with purple flowers. A member of the mint family, basil is native to India, Asia, and Africa, and its sweet aroma often infuses Mediterranean dishes. Includes information on watering and pest control.

Soil should never reach below 50°F at night.

Native to South East Asia, Thai Basil is very distinct thanks to its gorgeous, narrow green leaves on purple stems with a pink-purple flowers.

Sturdy compact plant reaches a height of 12-18 inches (45 cm). So remember to pinch out growing tips to promote bushier plants and to delay flowering. I would recommend putting the holy basil plant in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day, though I’ve found that it grows quite well in a sheltered, shady location, as long as temperatures are warm. We’re glad you stopped by. While holy basil loves the sun, around 5 hours is enough.

If you are interested, you can read more about proper watering techniques and fungi here.

This will take some forward thinking as you want the plants mature enough to handle the summer heat as well as to produce a crop during this peak growing season.

We share ideas and solutions for a happier garden no matter the size. They love to put it in soup and curry. Here moist soil is king. Thai basil prefers soil that is lightly moist, slightly acidic, well-drained and rich in organic matter, such as compost. The leaves, which are about half the size of sweet basil, have purple stems and make pretty garnishes.

long on purple stems with purple flowers. The slightly spicy leaves give a hint of anise or licorice to a wide range of dishes such as soups, stir fries and curries, though it can also be eaten raw, and used as a substitute for sweet basil. Thai Sweet Basil Seeds (Ocimum basilicum) 40+ Rare Heirloom Culinary Herb Seeds, Fresh Thai basil - 16 oz (approx 30 stalks), Thai Sweet Basil Seeds, Backyard Garden Seeds Ocimum Basilicum Seeds 750 Seed/Pack. Before I knew it, my little lily quickly grew into a rather lonely lily. with leaves 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) But more on that later! Some Thai basil uses are to infuse with vinegar or oil, to flavor Pho with mint and chilies, make tea, or pair with most any chicken, pork or beef dish.

How Often Should I Water My Vegetable Garden? Basil does not like to have wet leaves, which can encourage all kinds of fungi or other problems. If you live in a climate where this range is hard to come by, the herb is easy to grow indoors! This isn’t too big of a deal but something to note that if a recipe calls for Thai basil, it will taste different with other varieties. thyrsiflora) is a member of the mint family and as such has a particular sweet flavor reminiscent of anise, licorice and clove. Common issues: Pinch flower buds to keep plants from bolting. It does it all. Since basil’s sweet, fresh flavor is fleeting, it’s wise to have a game plan for basil care after season.

Thai basil and mint iced tea is a refreshing in the summer!

Eleven6 Media LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Leave at most 2 seedlings per pot. All of these suggestions can be used with other basil varieties as well. Anywhere you see these herbs try a bit of Thai basil with it. Holy basil doesn’t discriminate by riches. Ocimum tenuiflorum. This site, Mini Garden Guide, is owned and operated by Eleven6 Media LLC. While I wouldn’t recommend swapping sweet basil with thai basil in every dish, I would let your gut guide you on this one and take a couple of chances.

The key ingredient in classic Italian pesto,... A citrus-scented geranium, this is a great patio plant, especially in containers.

Even though it isn’t the doctors orders, basil of all kinds, including Thai basil, is a great digestive aid.

This pretty much explains 95% of culinary basil use.