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Thai Basil — Herbs | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Thai Basil
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

74days to harvest

5-10days to germinate

Z10–10USDA zones

Easy to moderatedifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow when soil reaches 65°F. Transplant after all frost danger passes.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 1 inch per week, consistent moisture but well-drained
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Spacing: 8-12 inches
Height: 0-3 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Green leaves with purple stems and purple flower spikes
Size: 2-3"
Shape: Elongated, pointed leaves with smooth edges
Flavour: Strong anise-licorice flavor with spicy, clove-like undertones

In the kitchen

Thai curries, pho, stir-fries, spring rolls, Vietnamese and Thai dishes, the flowers are also edible

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs
Diseases: Bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew in humid conditions
Resistance: Good resistance to fusarium wilt, better heat tolerance than sweet basil

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
10	January	February – April	—	April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesThai basil repels hornworms and aphids while improving tomato flavor and growth

PeppersMutual pest deterrent, basil repels aphids and spider mites that attack peppers

EggplantBasil deters flea beetles and aphids that commonly damage eggplants

OreganoSimilar growing requirements and both herbs repel many of the same garden pests

MarigoldsBoth plants repel nematodes and various flying insects, creating stronger pest control

CilantroAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that protect basil from harmful pests

LettuceBasil provides partial shade for lettuce while repelling aphids that damage leafy greens

GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent fungal diseases that can affect basil

Avoid

RueAllelopathic compounds inhibit basil germination and stunt growth

Common SageCompetes aggressively for nutrients and may inhibit basil's aromatic oil production

CucumberDifferent watering needs and cucumber's sprawling growth can overshadow and stress basil plants

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 23
Protein (g): 3.15
Fat (g): 0.64
Carbohydrate (g): 2.65
Fibre (g): 1.6
Sugars (g): 0.3
Vitamin A (µg): 264
Vitamin C (mg): 18
Vitamin E (mg): 0.8
Vitamin K (µg): 415
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.155
Folate (µg): 68
Calcium (mg): 177
Iron (mg): 3.17
Magnesium (mg): 64
Phosphorus (mg): 56
Potassium (mg): 295
Zinc (mg): 0.81
Selenium (µg): 0.3

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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Thai Basil

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Thai Basil?

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