Thai Basil Plants Tips For Growing Thai Basil Herbs

Thai basil plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight to flourish. Water weekly but keep the water off the leaves; water from the base. Over-watering will cause the leaves to yellow and drop, and under-watering will make flowers and buds suffer, so it is important to attain a balance when watering Thai basil.

Why is my Thai basil dying?

Most wilt issues occur because of improper watering. Basil requires evenly moist soil and quickly begins to wilt if the soil dries. ... Potted basil, especially pots kept outdoors, dry more quickly and may require daily watering. Too much water can also cause wilt.

How do you grow Thai basil at home?

Thai basil is native to tropical regions but prefers a well drained potting mix. Avoid getting water on the foliage when watering the plants. Water the soil directly if possible. Fertilize plants every 4-6 weeks using a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength.

Can you use basil for Thai basil?

Perfect for Southeast Asian dishes, the purple-stemmed Thai basil has a bright mint and citrus flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute sweet basil for Thai basil.

How often should I water my Thai basil?

Basil Plant Care Tips

Water regularly – basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist. Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering.

What does Overwatered basil look like?

Signs of Overwatered Basil

Yellow leaves that start from the lower leaves and work upwards. If you remove the plant, the roots will be mushy and brown or black.

Are coffee grounds good for basil?

Coffee grounds do have a place in the growth of basil. You just have to be careful when you use it. We know that basil likes soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. ... It's best to use compost that has coffee grounds in it rather than incorporate them directly into the soil.

Does Thai basil need a lot of water?

Thai basil plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight to flourish. Water weekly but keep the water off the leaves; water from the base. Over-watering will cause the leaves to yellow and drop, and under-watering will make flowers and buds suffer, so it is important to attain a balance when watering Thai basil.

What can I use instead of Thai basil?

Some recipes call for Thai basil, a pungent variety that can be hard to find in grocery stores. To duplicate its flavor, use common “Italian” basil and add a few fresh mint sprigs to the recipe.

Does Thai basil like full sun?

Protect basil plants from wind and sun for the first several days. Thai basil prefers soil that is lightly moist, slightly acidic, well-drained and rich in organic matter, such as compost. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate part shade.

Is there a difference between Thai basil and regular basil?

The main difference between Thai basil and holy basil is their flavor. Thai basil has a sweet, anise quality whereas holy basil is found to be spicy and peppery. Holy basil can often be called Thai holy basil making it confusing to differentiate that they are, in fact, not the same herb.

Can I use Thai basil in pasta?

These Thai Basil Noodles are perfect if you're craving some bold flavor. This pasta dish, also referred to as drunken noodles, uses rice noodles, tofu, and veggies to make a healthy dinner. It's gluten-free and ready in about 30 minutes!

Can I freeze Thai basil?

See Recipes with Thai Basil

Basil can also be preserved in oil or frozen to maximize its shelf life. Chop fresh basil leaves and place in clean ice cub trays. Cover with oil, water, or stock and freeze. When ready to use, simply remove a few cubes and keep the rest in the freezer.

How do you revive Thai basil?

Basil can be a bit high maintenance to revive & store- if it's exposed to cold water for too long, the leaves will turn black. My recommendation is to shock them (not soak) for 1-2 minutes, or just enough to perk them up. Pat dry and use right away. Washed basil does not keep very well.

Does Thai basil die after flowering?

Check your basil plants frequently for flowers, and if you see any, pinch them off right away. If the flower stems are too woody to pinch (often the case with Thai basil), cut them off with shears. A plant allowed to flower will soon go to seed, stop growing, and die, so be vigilant about removing flowers.

Can you eat the purple flowers on Thai basil?

Eat 'Em! Basil flowers are perfectly edible. In terms of fragrance and flavor, the flowers are similar, if milder, than the leaves. Sometimes, flowers can be somewhat bitter, so test them first.

How long does a basil plant live?

Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost.

Can Basil get too much sun?

Basil Sun Requirements

Full-sun conditions may lead to leaf scorch on seedlings, which causes discoloration and a droopy effect, especially along the edges of the leaves. Anything less than full sun for mature basil plants has the same effect, sans discoloration.

How do you keep store bought basil alive?

Like a box of instant cake mix, basil plants just need water. Keep the soil of your basil plants slightly moist at all times. Depending on how much sun your basil gets, you might need to water your basil plant every 1-2 days. But make sure that the pot has good drainage, because soggy soil can lead to rotting roots.

Are eggshells good for basil plants?

Crops that attract snails such as basil, cabbage, lettuce, marigolds and strawberries will certainly benefit from a sprinkle of eggshells onto their soil. Plants that tend to like coffee grounds include hydrangeas, gardenias, azaleas, lilies, ferns, camellias and roses.

What do I feed basil?

Feed basil plants regularly with MIracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition one month after planting. You can start harvesting when your plant is 6-8 inches tall.

What's the best fertilizer for basil?

Instead of a dry fertilizer, use a water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength. You can also use an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or liquid seaweed.