← Back to Plant Explorer
herbAnnualEdible
Thai Basil
Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora
Also known as: anise basil, Asian basil
Spicy anise-flavored basil with purple stems and flowers. More heat-stable than sweet basil in cooking. Ornamental and edible.
Growing Requirements
SunFull Sun
WaterMedium
Soil Type
Soil Drainage
Soil pH
Plant Spacing12–18″
Row Spacing18–24″
Planting Depth0.25″
Height12–18″
Spread12–15″
✓ Container Friendly✓ Raised Bed Friendly
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
6–8 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow (Spring)
1–9 weeks after last frost
Transplant Outdoors
2–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Harvest
60–75 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Zones 1–13
Cannot overwinter outdoors
More bolt-resistant than sweet basil. Pinch flowers to extend harvest. Frost sensitive — harvest before first frost.
Companion Plants
No companion data available for this plant yet.