Thai Basil

Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora

Growth Potential

Height: 1-2 feet | Width: 1-1.5 feet

A heat-loving herb with purple blooms and spicy flavor

Thai Basil is an easy herb that loves North Texas heat and keeps producing leaves all summer. Its glossy green leaves have a spicy, anise-like flavor, and purple flower spikes make it as pretty as it is useful.

It is a great addition to pots and herb beds, and bees love the flowers.

Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)

Best Area to Plant

Location:

  • Containers by the kitchen door
  • Raised herb beds
  • Mixed flower and vegetable beds
  • Pollinator-friendly gardens

Placement:

Plant after the last frost in full sun, spaced 12 to 18 inches apart, in well-drained soil. Containers work well and let you move it easily. Keep it away from soggy spots and plan to replace it each year, since it is a warm-season annual.

Care Instructions

  • Light:

    Requires full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours a day.

  • Water:

    Water regularly, about once or twice a week, and more often in pots. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

  • Maintenance:

    Pinch the tips often to keep it bushy and harvest regularly. Leave some flower spikes for pollinators, but remove them if you want more leaves. It dies with the first frost.