Thai Basil

Thai Basil Care

Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora

What is the plant

Often described as spicy, fresh, and with a hint of licorice, Thai Basil is a popular herb found abundantly in Asian cuisine. Luckily, this versatile plant can be grown outside in an herb garden or a windowsill as part of your kitchen decor!

Thai Basil is a variety of the widely known ‘Sweet Basil’ (Omicum basilicum) and has been cultivated to have specific traits such as texture and taste. Thai Basil has a stronger and slightly more spicy flavor than Sweet Basil, which is why it’s usually seen in Thai and other South-Asian cuisines.

These herbs grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and have small and narrow foliage. The stems, as well as the flowers, are reddish-purple, making it a very decorative and interesting plant to add to your home and garden.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

16°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Indoor plants need frequent watering. It’s best to check the soil every few days and thoroughly water it when you notice it has gone dry. If your Basil is dehydrated, it will quickly wilt and turn brown at the bottom.

On the contrary, overwatering will lead to yellow leaves and root rot, which can kill your plant! Make sure to allow the soil to partially dry out before watering again, and always empty the cache pot or saucer underneath your nursery pot after you water.
Pruning
Pruning will encourage bushy growth and give you a fuller, healthier plant. Once your main stem is about 8 inches (20 cm) tall, pinch the top set of leaves with clean scissors. From this point, the plant will branch out and grow more stems! Also, it’s best to trim off any diseased and dead leaves whenever they appear to help maintain good airflow around the plant and prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
We recommend feeding it a special herb fertilizer during the growing season (from March to October). However, avoid fertilizing too much, as this can seriously harm your Basil’s roots by dehydrating them. Instead, we recommend adding a few drops of liquid fertilizer to your water every time you water or every other week to supply your Basil with an even amount of nutrients throughout the growing season without the risk of burn.

Alternatively, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer. Any balanced, all-purpose product will be sufficient. You can apply these granules once a year in Spring. The nutrients will be released every time you water.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Unless you live in an area with extremely hot summers, placing this herb in a south-facing window where it receives full sun is your best option. This will encourage your plant to grow vigorously and abundantly!

An east- or west-facing window can also be sufficient, but keep in mind that your plant may not grow as fast. If you experience hot and dry summers, partial shade is optimal, as this can help prevent your plant from drying out too much.
Soil
Most standard potting mixes will work fine for Thai Basil. However, for the best results, we recommend amending your potting mix with organic compost or worm castings and perlite before planting. As long as the soil is well-drained, your plant will be fine!
Propagation
The best method to propagate your Thai Basil is by taking stem cuttings. Choose to take cuttings from a healthy mother plant that is growing abundantly and has multiple strong branches. Take a 6-inch (15cm) cutting and pinch off the lowest set of leaves.

Stick the cutting’s end in a jar or vase of water and place it in a bright location (but out of direct sun). Within a few weeks, the cutting will grow roots, and you’ll have a new Basil! Did you know that Basil plants can grow in plain water for a long time? However, if you wish to move the plant to soil, you can do so when the roots are about 3 inches (7 cm) long.

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Temperature
Being a tropical plant, Thai Basil thrives in warm and humid conditions. Its ideal temperature range is between 70°F and 90°F (21-32°C), and it cannot handle cold lower than 60°F (16°C) for a longer period.
Container
Thai Basil can grow exceptionally well in containers and pots. A 12-inch (30 cm) pot supports a large and established plant. However, smaller plants can do well in smaller pots. As a rule of thumb, keep the pot about 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) larger than the root ball of the plant.

When choosing a container, we recommend using a plastic nursery pot with drainage holes. As these plants require frequent and thorough watering, terra cotta planters may not be suitable as they can increase the speed at which the soil dries.
Fun fact
Due to the aroma of Thai Basil, it can act as a natural mosquito and fly repellent. At the same time, it can attract pollinators like butterflies, birds, and bees, who are intrigued by the plant’s scent!