Thai Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Large 2-3" long, turned-down leaves. This stunning basil is nearly black in color. Purple flowers and red leaves make an attractive garnish. Ht. 16-20".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil.
Harvest
74d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Thai Basil in USDA Zone 10
All Zone 10 tropical →Zone Map
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Thai Basil · Zones 10–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | May – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 2 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Thai basil repels aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies that commonly attack tomatoes
Peppers
Basil deters aphids and spider mites while peppers provide partial shade in hot climates
Eggplant
Repels flea beetles and aphids that damage eggplant, both prefer similar growing conditions
Marigolds
Both repel nematodes and aphids, marigolds add complementary pest control
Cilantro
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that help control pests on basil
Lemongrass
Both are tropical herbs with similar water needs, lemongrass repels mosquitoes and ants
Lettuce
Thai basil provides light shade for lettuce in hot weather and repels aphids
Oregano
Both Mediterranean-type herbs with similar care needs, oregano repels cucumber beetles
Keep Apart
Rue
Allelopathic properties inhibit basil growth and can stunt development
Common Sage
Competes for similar nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through root competition
Fennel
Strong allelopathic effects inhibit growth of most herbs including basil
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to fusarium wilt, better heat tolerance than sweet basil
Common Pests
Aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, spider mites
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew