Queenette

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Queenette Thai Basil unfurls with a fragrant, anise-citrus lift that rises from deep green leaves as soon as they’re brushed—an aromatic signature that feels vivid and alive.

The foliage is tender and finely textured, with a slightly peppery sweetness that shines in fresh applications and turns especially compelling when warmed. Grow Queenette for a compact, upright habit that keeps harvesting effortless and flavor-forward from early summer through the first cool nights.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Bush

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Queenette Thai basil hits with a clear anise-citrus perfume that stays crisp rather than turning dull—use it late for maximum lift. Warm it gently (oil, infusion, or finish) and it blooms; overcooking mutes that lively, slightly sweet peppery edge.

Best Uses

quick torn-leaf finishing on hot noodles and rice
warmed infusion for garlicky oils and quick pan sauces
Thai-style herb-forward stir-fries (add near the end to keep perfume)
bright pesto variations where anise notes can stand up

Flavor Profile

anise-citrus lift slightly peppery sweetness finely textured, tender leaves highly aromatic when warmed

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic chile fish sauce coconut milk mozzarella

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Ocimum basilicum (Thai basil/“Queenette”) plants getting black spots or wilting, and what can I do?

Check the undersides of leaves for small sap-sucking insects (often aphids) and look for leaf spotting that spreads after cool, wet weather—both commonly flare in crowded, damp foliage. Remove badly affected leaves, water at the soil line (not on the foliage), and improve airflow by spacing plants so leaves don’t stay wet. If aphids are present, rinse them off with a strong spray and repeat every 2–3 days until new growth is clean.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I maintain?

Water Queenette when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry; aim for evenly moist soil, not soggy. During active leaf growth (after seedlings establish), this usually means deep watering about 2–3 times per week in warm weather, but less in cooler periods. Consistent moisture helps prevent stress-related leaf drop and keeps growth compact.

How do I know when Ocimum basilicum (“Queenette”) is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and have multiple sets of true leaves—typically around day 45, depending on conditions. Harvest in the morning by snipping above a leaf pair to encourage branching; take only up to about one-third of the plant at a time. When flowering begins, leaves can taste sharper, so harvest regularly before heavy flowering for the best flavor.