Thai Basil

Name: Thai basil, oriental basil, Asian basil, licorice basil (Ocimum Basilicum var. Thyrsiflora).

Plant type: Annual herb.

Height: 40–45cm.

Climate: Prefers tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate climates, but can be grown during the warmer months in arid/semi-arid and cold temperate climates, when frost is unlikely.

Soil: Plant in a soil enriched with compost and aged manure.

Position: Full sun, and also part shade in tropical and sub-tropical climates.

Flowering: Produces spikes with small purple and white flowers.

Feeding: Regular applications of a seaweed solution and a liquid fertilizer high in nitrogen help to keep plants healthy and productive.  

Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot dry weather.

Characteristics of Thai basil

Closely related to sweet basil, Thai basil has slightly smaller foliage, striking purple stems and matching decorative flower heads. More intense in flavour than sweet basil but with a hint of licorice, Thai basil is a powerful addition to summer salads, as well as an attractive addition to the herb or kitchen garden.

Uses for Thai basil

Thai basil is a highly decorative herb that's equally suited to the ornamental garden or the vegie patch. The purple stems and flower heads make an attractive addition to the summer garden. An annual herb, Thai basil is best harvested regularly and used fresh in salads, soups and rice paper rolls.

How to grow Thai basil

If growing Thai basil in pots, select a premium organic potting mix with the Australian standards tick.

Choose a self-watering pot to maintain optimal moisture.

Grow indoors on a sunny windowsill, or outside in full sun or part shade. If growing in a garden bed, improve soil prior to planting with compost and aged manure.

Protect plants from snails and slugs while young, and apply a seaweed solution to improve plant vigour and resistance to frost and pests.

Caring for Thai basil

Although regular watering is essential, once established, Thai basil is easy to grow. Harvest regularly and remove flower spikes to delay your basil running to seed.   

Thai basil prefers a moist soil, so enrich with compost and manure, water regularly, and mulch to reduce water loss through evaporation. Always water the soil and not the foliage, especially in hot weather.

Pruning and harvesting Thai basil

Harvest regularly to promote compact growth. An annual herb, plants should be cut down at the end of the growing season. The leaves can be dried for use throughout the year.