Thai Basil Plants

Thai Basil Names

• Thai basil is also know as sweet basil or Asian Basil. It has longer and narrower leaves than its Mediterranean counterpart.

Starting From Seed

• Basil is easy to start from seed. If starting indoors, count back six weeks from the local frost-free date. This date is when the seeds should be sown indoors. Another approach to seeding basil is to plant it directly into the ground. To plant into the ground, wait until after the frost-free date to sow the seeds. Once scattered on the ground, cover up with 1/4 inch of soil.

Planting Transplants

• Basil likes to be in full sun and in a moist but well-drained soil. When placing transplants in the garden, space them at least 10 to 12 inches apart. If bushier plants are desired, space the basil plants 16 to 24 inches apart.

Thai Basil Care

• Pinching back is an important chore that basil requires. Begin the pinching process by removing the top of the center shoot of each basil plant when they are 6 inches high. This pinching needs to be continued throughout the season, encouraging the formation of side branches; it also prevents flowering. Additional tasks are the removal of flower stalks, if any, and mulching the basil throughout the season.

Harvesting

• Thai basil tastes best when fresh. To get the most out of fresh basil, pick it in the early morning by cutting the leaves and/or branches. Another approach is to cut the whole plant 6 to 8 inches above the ground. This encourages the plant to produce a second crop. Always pick remaining basil before temperatures dip below 40 degrees F.

Preserving Thai Basil

• The best way to preserve Thai basil is through freezing. One approach is the quick-freeze method. This is done by placing whole sprigs of basil in a plastic bag and pushing out the air. Then place the plastic bag in the freezer. Another approach is to air-dry the basil. This is done by removing the leaves from the stems and placing them in a shady location for two to three days. If not completely dried, place them in the oven at the lowest temperature, and leave the oven door open a bit. Allow the basil leaves to remain in the oven until completely dried.