Thai Gardens

Basil

45d to harvest

Fragrant as a warm breeze, ‘Thai Gardens’ basil unfurls with bright, peppery-anise lift and a clean, lingering sweetness. Its tender leaves are glossy and finely textured, forming an upright, richly branched plant that stays flavorful for weeks—ideal for fresh use and for stirring into aromatic sauces, quick wok-style dishes, and fragrant garnishes. Grow it for its bold Thai basil character: aromatic, lively, and beautifully vigorous in the garden bed or pot.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 23rd
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 15th
Harvest Begins	Jul 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Staro Chive

Bush Early Girl Tomato

Homestead 8611 Tomato

Red Gem Marigold

Polyvit Chive

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (basil) in home gardens, and how do I fix it?

Basil commonly gets downy mildew (often starting as yellow patches on top leaves with grayish growth underneath), especially in humid, crowded conditions. Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants and avoiding wetting the foliage, and water at the soil line in the morning. If it’s spreading, treat early with a labeled fungicide for basil/downy mildew and keep plants well-ventilated until new growth appears healthy.

How can I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 35–45 days old and have developed multiple sets of true leaves (typically 6–8 inches tall), before flowering starts. Pick by pinching or cutting above a leaf pair to encourage branching, and harvest in the morning when leaves are fullest and most aromatic. If you see flower buds forming, harvest immediately to slow flowering and extend production.