Small basil plants are a staple offering at garden centers and even grocery stores, but they are almost as easy to grow from seed. Thai Basil Flavor and Aroma There are different species of basil. Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, and Holy Basil are some of the most popular species known worldwide. The purple stems are square. Learn more. Today we are going to discuss Thai Basil. The US Department of Agriculture groups basils into the hardiness zones 9 to 12. For Thai food, you’ll want to consider basil ‘Siam Queen.’ This type of basil has a strong anise flavor and the fragrance of clove. Growing and harvesting Thai basil leaves in cold climate can be a challenge. If you are a serious cook, you’ll need to use different types of basil depending on the type of food you are making. Basil is a medicinal plant that is known worldwide for its aroma and therapeutic properties. Growing Basil From Seed . Basil will, therefore, live through winter in all except the northernmost areas of Florida. Basil’s botanical name is Ocimum basilicum, and it goes by other names like Thai basil and sweet basil. Just like each kid in the same family has different personalities and preferences, the Thai Basil plant has some distinct differences from more common varieties. As the leaves are the main source of seasoning there is no need to wait till it flowers. Like so many other herb specimens it is easy to grow inside as long as its basic sunlight and temperature requirements are met. Dig a depression in the growing medium 1 inch deep and one-half inch in diameter with a wood skewer or by hand. Basil thrives in sun and well-drained and moist soil. Place 3 to 4 Thai basil seeds in the depression. Thai Basil has aromatic, pointed green leaves with a hint of licorice flavor. Thai Basil Plant Overview . A cousin of the commonly grown sweet basil, Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum) is becoming a popular herb grown in home gardens as culinary tastes expand. … Thai basil prefers soil that is lightly moist, slightly acidic, well-drained and rich in organic matter, such as compost. Thai basil, a compact grower, has narrow leaves, an anise-like scent and a spiciness lacking in sweet basil varieties. thyrsiflora) Plant type: annual herb Height: 40–45cm Climate: prefers tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate climates, but can be grown during the warmer months in arid/semi-arid and cold temperate climates, when frost is unlikely. Read on for uses, a comparison to other basil types, and step by step indoor growing instructions for Thai basil. It is only grown during spring and summer season. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Basil is a popular spice plant for herb gardens, used for flavoring in a variety of cuisines. The leaves tastes more aniseed than the common basil we get here in supermarkets and in Italian cooking. For example Thai, Laos or Vietnamese… The reason it’s so good for asian dishes is that it has the same flavours as standard basil but in addition has a strong liquorice and anise flavour that gives foods like curries and soups a unique aroma. It's a warm season annual, it will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. Thai Basil is the herb to grow if you like cooking Asian Dishes. Name: Thai basil, oriental basil, Asian basil, licorice basil (Ocimum basilicum, var. To get the highest yield of tender and flavorful leaves, pinch the tip of each branch, starting in early summer when the plants are 6" … 2. Basil is found in tropical areas, but its primary origin is considered to be India. Start seeds indoors four weeks before the last frost date in your area. Soil: plant in a soil enriched with compost and decomposed manure. 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