Basil - Sweet Thai (200 seeds)

Basil - Sweet Thai

Ocimum basilicum

Basil Sweet Thai is the authentic variety of Thai basil that has been a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cooking for over 5,000 years. Known as Horapha in Thailand and Hun Que in Vietnam, it produces neat 5 cm bright green leaves with striking purple stems and dark purple flowers and a bold, spicy flavour rich in anise and clove notes that is quite distinct from Italian basil. An essential ingredient in Thai curries, stir-fries, Vietnamese pho, and spring rolls, it is equally outstanding used fresh as a garnish for both savoury and sweet dishes.

More cold tolerant than Italian basils, Sweet Thai does not turn bitter when it begins to flower, which means you can keep harvesting right through the flowering period without sacrificing flavour. The edible flowers are excellent as a garnish for drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts with an intense, spicy basil and clove character. An attractive and aromatic plant in the garden that also grows well in containers.

Planting Season: Spring, Summer
Sow: Indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost; transplant after frost risk passes
Spacing: 20-30 cm apart
Height: 40-50 cm; upright and bushy
Germination: 5-10 days at 18-21°C
Harvest: 63-65 days; pick leaves and pinch regularly; flowers also edible
Flavour: Spicy, anise, and clove; bolder and more complex than Italian basil

200 seeds