Thai Basil Seeds

Thai basil brings the sweet anise and liquorice note that defines a good green curry, and it holds that flavour in the heat of a wok far better than Italian basil. Glossy, pointed leaves sit on purple stems under tight clusters of purple flower bracts. Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora is the basil of Thai, Vietnamese and Lao cooking: tear it into stir-fries, curries and noodle soups, or pile it raw beside a bowl of pho.

Sowing and growing

• Sow indoors March to June, 3mm deep, on a warm windowsill or in a propagator
• Germination: 5 to 10 days at around 20°C
• Move outside to a sunny, sheltered spot from June, once nights stay mild
• Position: full sun in free-draining compost; ideal in pots
• Height: about 40cm, with a spread of 20cm
• Harvest: pick leaves from about 6 to 8 weeks after sowing, pinching out tips and flower spikes to keep plants bushy
• Tender annual: it will not survive frost

What you receive: a packet of about 120 seeds from Piccolo Seeds, with growing instructions on the back.

For another aromatic basil, try our Holy Basil seeds, or browse the full range of herb, flower and vegetable seeds. Left to flower at the end of summer, Thai basil is one of many plants for bees and pollinators.