Organic Thai Basil Seeds

Thai basil seeds produce the ornamental basil that is a native of Southeast Asia. Spicy, with notes of clove and anise, this perennial herb adds authentic flavor to regional dishes. Leaves, flowers, and stems are all edible. Pinch off flowers to keep the plant in a vegetative state and get the most foliage you can. When ready, share the flowers with beneficial insects in your garden!

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Basil is a tasty warm-season crop that can grow from early spring until late fall.

Zones 2-8

• Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

Planting Thai Basil Seeds

• Basil seeds can be direct sown or transplanted. Regardless of how you begin, seeds should be planted into well-worked moist soil free of debris. Basil seeds are small and should be covered with finely sifted soil for the best results.
• If you are starting basil in starter pots to transplant out, plant seeds on the top of moist high-quality seed starting soil and cover with 1/4″ of finely sifted soil.
• If you are direct sowing the seeds, make sure you sow them in thoroughly moistened soil. Basil thrives in full sun locations. Follow the same directions as above. Seeds must remain moist to germinate evenly and quickly.
• Once the seedlings have germinated and have a first set of true leaves, be sure to fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer.
• Thin and space plants to at least 8″ apart.

Growing Thai Basil 

• Basil is incredibly easy to grow. Plant your transplants out in the garden when they are 4-5″ tall. Make sure you space them at least 4″ apart. If you direct sow your seeds, thin accordingly. The thinned plants can be transplanted to another area of the garden.
• Keep your plants weed-free by pulling any weeds that may compete with your basil.

Succession Planting Thai Basil

• Succession planting is a good idea if you enjoy large amounts of basil. Start a new round of seeds every 14 days.

Growing Thai Basil in Containers

• Basil is an excellent container crop. If you are planting in containers, ensure your container is at least 10″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.

Harvesting Thai Basil 

• The key to happy basil is to use it!
• Frequently trimming it back will slow its desire to go to flower. Harvest basil by cutting the top 1/4″ of the plant.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, basil is a very easy crop that will give you delicious foliage well into the fall.
• Prune heavily in late summer to get another flush of foliage in the fall.
• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much. Compost added to the soil at the time of planting will help retain moisture in the soil during hot, dry weather.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Basil is an herb that is also very ornamental when it goes to flower. Interplanting basil with your flowers is a great way to utilize space and create a lovely, edible garden. Basil is particularly beautiful when planted with alyssum and nasturtium. Basil may be interplanted with tomato and cucumber crops, too.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out the in-depth information for pests that can be an issue for basil at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.

Learn why removing flowers from your basil will give you the healthiest plants!