Growing Guide: Thai Basil
Growing Tips
Thai Basil is easy to grow in rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Provide full sun to part shade and consistent moisture, allowing excess water to drain freely. Harvest basil as often as its growth allows to encourage continued production and pinch back growing tips to maintain a compact, bushy shape. It can be grown as a perennial evergreen herb in warm climates and as an annual north of Zone 8. Plants can be started from seed and are ready to harvest within 3–4 weeks of sowing.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora |
| Common Names | Thai Basil |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type | Perennial Evergreen Herb; May be grown as an Annual north of Zone 8 |
| Life Cycle | Perennial in warm climates; Annual north of Zone 8 |
| Mature Size | Up to 2 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide |
| Light | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil |
| Bloom Time | Growing Season |
| Flower Color | Pink-Purple |
| USDA Zones | Outdoors 9–11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Grown from seed and ready to harvest now (within 3–4 weeks of sowing) |
| Seasonal Traits | Year-round harvest in suitable climates |
| Harvest Season | Year-round, as needed |
| Time to Harvest | 3–4 weeks from sowing |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
