Thai Basil Seeds (Organic)

Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a key ingredient in Asian cuisine, offering a sweet anise and clove flavor on green leaves with striking purple stems and purple flowers. A tender annual that grows well in containers, it brings both bold taste and ornamental appeal to the garden.

At a glance

• Variety: Thai basil, organic, non-GMO
• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
• Days to maturity: 70 to 80 days
• Sun: Full sun
• Spacing after thinning: 8 to 10 inches
• Planting depth: 1/8 to 1/4 inch
• Seeds per pack: About 250 (28,060 per 1 oz bulk)
• Height at maturity: 12 to 24 inches

Best for

• Stir-fries, curries, soups, and salads
• Thai red and green curry dishes
• Containers, garden beds, and windowsills
• Pollinator gardens that draw bees and butterflies

How to grow

Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly once soil reaches at least 70 degrees, planting 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep with germination in 5 to 10 days. Grow in full sun in well-draining soil with added organic matter and even water, and thin to 8 to 10 inches apart. Pinch growing tips for bushy plants and remove flower stalks to extend harvest. Basil will not perform below 50 degrees, so pot it indoors for a winter supply.

Flavor profile

Sweet and spicy with distinct notes of anise and clove that hold up to cooking.

About Grow Organic

Grow Organic, also known as Peaceful Valley, has supplied seeds, tools, and growing supplies to organic gardeners and farmers since 1976.