Thai Basil Seeds - Húng Quế, Heirloom Non-GMO Open-Pollinated

Thai Basil Seeds – Húng Quế

Grow the unmistakable aroma of Thai Basil, Ocimum basilicum, with narrow green leaves, purple stems, and a sweet, spicy fragrance with anise and licorice notes. Also known as Húng Quế, this heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated herb is a natural fit for Southeast Asian cooking, edible gardens, raised beds, and sunny containers.

Thai basil is a tender warm-season annual that branches readily when pinched. With regular harvesting and flower removal, established plants can continue producing fresh aromatic leaves throughout the frost-free growing season.

Product Highlights

• Traditional Thai Basil / Húng Quế culinary herb.
• Heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated product traits.
• Narrow green leaves with distinctive purple stems.
• Sweet, spicy aroma with anise and licorice notes.
• Germination about 5–10 days at 65–70°F under favorable conditions.
• Main leaf harvest often possible about 60–70 days from sowing.

Plant Profile

• Common Name: Thai Basil
• Vietnamese Name: Húng Quế
• Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
• Type: Thai Basil culinary herb
• Life Cycle: Tender annual
• Growth Habit: Upright and branching
• Foliage: Narrow green aromatic leaves
• Stem Color: Purple
• Flavor & Aroma: Sweet, spicy, anise and licorice notes
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture
• Plant Spacing: About 6–12 inches
• Row Spacing: About 18 inches where space permits
• Main Harvest: About 60–70 days from sowing under suitable conditions

Growing Overview

Start Thai basil indoors about 6 weeks before planting outside, or direct sow once frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Sow approximately 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly.

Keep the seedbed gently and evenly moist with good drainage. Under favorable conditions, germination commonly occurs in about 5–10 days at approximately 65–70°F. Avoid cold, saturated soil.

Thin seedlings to approximately 6–12 inches apart once true leaves develop. Allow around 18 inches between rows where practical so plants have room to branch and air can circulate through the foliage.

Care & Container Growing

Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and maintain regular moisture throughout the growing season. Do not leave roots standing in water.

Pinch growing tips just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching and a bushier plant. When growing primarily for leaves, remove developing flower buds to keep the plant focused on fresh foliage.

Thai basil also grows well in containers. Choose a pot with drainage holes and enough room for roots to develop, place it in a sunny location, and monitor moisture frequently because containers dry faster than garden beds.

Harvest & Enjoy

A main leaf harvest is often possible about 60–70 days from sowing, although light picking can begin earlier on vigorous established plants. Cut stems just above a pair of leaves and leave enough foliage for the plant to regrow.

For the strongest aroma, harvest before flowers open. Thai basil is especially well suited to pho, curries, soups, stir-fries, fresh herb plates, noodle dishes, and other Southeast Asian recipes.

Leaves can be used fresh or preserved by drying or freezing for later cooking.

What to Expect

Plant size, leaf size, and maturity timing can vary by seed strain and growing conditions. Temperature, light, planting depth, drainage, moisture, and seed freshness all influence germination and plant performance.

Thai basil is sensitive to frost. In climates with freezing winters it is grown as a tender annual, so make the final outdoor harvest before the first fall frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Thai basil take to germinate?

Under favorable conditions, germination commonly takes about 5–10 days at approximately 65–70°F. Cold or saturated soil can slow emergence.

When can I begin harvesting?

A main leaf harvest is often possible about 60–70 days from sowing. Light harvesting may begin earlier after plants are vigorous and well established.

Can Thai basil grow in containers?

Yes. Use a container with drainage holes, place it in a sunny location, and maintain regular moisture without leaving the roots waterlogged.

How do I make Thai basil bushier?

Pinch stems just above a pair of leaves. This encourages branching and creates a fuller plant with additional harvest points.

Should I remove the flowers?

If your main goal is leaf production, remove developing flower buds. This helps extend vegetative growth and keeps the plant producing fresh leaves longer.