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Thai Basil
  • Thai Basil
  • Thai Basil
Thai Basil

Thai Basil

Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora

Thai Basil is an aromatic and flavour-rich variety essential to many Southeast Asian dishes, particularly Thai cuisine. The leaves have a slightly spicy, sweet flavour reminiscent of cinnamon and anise. Compact and beautifully ornamental, the plants have dark green leaves tinged with purple and bear striking spikes of pink-purple flowers throughout the summer. Thai Basil thrives in sunny, warm spots and is perfect for container growing or ornamental herb beds.

Where Can You Grow Thai Basil?
Best suited to Zones 3–9 when grown as an annual. Prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Ideal for raised beds, containers, and sheltered garden plots. Requires warm soil to germinate and flourish.

History and Historical Uses
A staple in Thai, Vietnamese, and Laotian cuisines, Thai Basil has been used for centuries in everything from soups and curries to fresh rolls and herbal teas. Its flavour and appearance also make it a favourite in ornamental and edible gardens alike.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Direct sow outdoors after last frost or transplant seedlings started indoors.
Zones 5–7: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost and transplant out when warm.
Zones 3–4: Grow in containers or protected garden spaces; transplant after frost risk.

How to Grow and Harvest Thai Basil
Planting: Start seeds indoors 0.5cm (¼in) deep in early spring; transplant when temperatures stay above 10°C.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained; avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting: Begin harvesting once plants reach 15cm (6in); pinch tips to encourage bushiness.
Maintenance: Remove flower spikes to prolong leaf production or allow blooms for pollinators.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Let Flower: Allow a few plants to fully flower and set seed.
Collect Seed: Harvest dry flower heads and shake or rub to release seeds.
Dry and Store: Dry seeds thoroughly and store in airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Viability: Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years with proper storage.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)
$4.76 CAD
In Stock

≈ 173 seeds | 5g (0.11oz)

Growing Information
Common Name Thai Basil
Scientific Name Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora
Seed Count 173
Metric Weight 5 g
Imperial Weight 0.11 oz
Height 0.3–0.6m (1–2ft)
Spread 0.3–0.45m (1–1.5ft)
Canadian Zone Information 3–9
Growing Difficulty Easy
Product Reviews
Have a Question?

We (a small farm) ship every week, on Wednesday!

Pick up available from our farm stand 542 Wootton Road, Metchosin

100% Canadian Grown in Metchosin, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Processed-By-Hand

Certified Organic

Open Pollinated

Non-GMO

Frequently asked questions
Do you do sell at the farm?

No.

We do have a farmstand that is open during the season: March/April through to June/July
Will my order have tracking?

Maybe.

We ship all seed packages using Letter Mail through Canada Post.

However, if you order any Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; we automatically add protected shipping in a prepaid Canada Post box. These have a tracking number.
How much does shipping cost?

Save $20 when you spend $200

All our shipping fees include a handling fee

$7 Small Envelope 

Orders 0g–7gup to 3 seed packages

$8 Medium Envelope

Orders 8g–15gup to 7 seed packages or ~ 1 Forager Pet Mix

$9 Large Envelope

Orders 16g–21gup to 10 seed packages and/or~ 1-2 Forager Pet Mix and/or rootstock/cutting

$13 Tiny Parcel

Orders 22g–44gup to 22 seed packages and/or~ 1-2 Forager Pet Mix and/or rootstock/cutting

$16 Extra Small Parcel

Orders 45g–135gSeed packages and/or~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting

If you spend $200 this actually becomes free shipping with a $4 discount.

$19 Small Parcel

Orders 136g–500gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes free shipping with a $1 discount.

$22 Medium Parcel

Orders 501g–1400gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1-3 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $2.

$25 Large parcel

Orders 1401g–2500gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1-5 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $5.

$30 Extra Large Parcel

Orders 2501g and up

Anything your heart desires.

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $10.
What is your Customer Satisfaction policy?

We guarantee germination up to 75% on all our seeds in proper conditions.

That means we will replace them.

We make no guarantees on our Forager Pet products, other than that they are safe for the animals listed. But do reach out if your pet isn't happy.

Mistakes happen and can be fixed. So missing items, wrong items, or even damaged items can be replaced.

We will always work with you to find an appropriate solution.

Customer Satisfaction Policy
How long does shipping take?

Letter Mail can take up to 5-6 weeks.

Parcels can take up to 1-2 weeks.

We ship Wednesdays which can also lead to delays.
Are all your products 100% Canadian?

Yes. All our products are grown in Metchosin BC or foraged from surrounding forests.
What is your refund policy?

We are a resolution first small business. That means we would love for you to be happy with our products.

However, if you want to return or refund, this can be done.

Refund Policy

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