Thai Basil
How to grow & use Thai basil
Equipment
- Plant pot & soil
- 1 Seed tray (optional)
- 1 Heating mat (optional)
Seeds
- 1 packet Thai basil seeds
Instructions
The first step is to get the basil seeds.
- You can order them online from Amazon or some garden centres will sell them.
The next stage is to put the seeds in the soil.
- Fill a plant pot (or a few pots ) with soil, then add the seeds and sprinkle a bit of soil on top.
- Quick tip – If you put the seeds into a bowl of water for 30 minutes to 1 hour they will start growing quicker then simply putting them in soil.
- Quick tip – Instead of using plants pots start the seeds using a seed tray with a lid. The advantage of using a lid is that it will retain the moisture helping your plants grow. Simply put a bit of soil in the tray, spoon in the seeds and cover with a bit of soil.
Then simply put the pot or tray somewhere safe and leave them to sprout.
- The seeds will germinate in 12 to 40 days.
- Quick tip – Use a heat mat. All you do is put the tray on the mat and the extra heat will significantly speed up how fast your seeds will grow.
- For more info & why it works so well have a look at our article on a seed starter mat
Help them grow
- When they’ve grown thin the seedlings or transplant leaving 30 cm between plants, Then simple put them somewhere warm and sunny and wait for them to grow.
- One option (depending on the time of year or where you live) is to use an indoor grow light.
Notes
When to grow Thai basil
There are 3 options:
- March to April – you start with seeds indoors as per the steps above. If you sow the seeds in individual pots this will minimise root damage.
- May to June – Or you can sow them outside, only when there is no more frost. Sow them 6″ (15 cm) apart.
- All year round – Or you can grow them all year round on a sunny window ledge (or using grow lamps)
How to grow it using Hydroponics or Aquaponics.
Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow using hydroponics – As it will be ready to be harvested quicker than planted in soil.
New to hydroponics? – Top 5 hydroponic kits for beginners
But in addition it is ideal for aquaponics – especially because it loves nitrogen. In addition, whether using hydroponics or aquaponics you will be able to grow it all year around – providing you with fresh herbs when you want it.
2. How is Thai basil different from regular basil.
There are many different types of basil – each with it’s unique flavour and the way they will look in the garden.
For example this type of basil will have purple stems and Green and produce Purple/Pink flowers when mature. And will look totally different to a variety like the Genovese basil pictured
In addition it will have the standard basil flavour but combined with a strong liquorice and anise flavour.
3. Example Thai Basil recipes.
Thai Basil is the ideal herb if you like cooking Asian Dishes.
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.
Typical recipes:
Below are some examples of popular ways of using Thai basil in cooking.
Homemade Thai basil sauce
Thai basil red curry
Thai basil tea
Thai basil strawberry smoothie
Thai basil strawberry cocktail
Thai basil coconut chicken curry
Almost gave this a 5. Like all basil types slightly different flavour and will add a great taste to recipes you can’t get from any other herb. Well worth growing