Siam Queen Thai Basil (Ocimum thyrsiflora) is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb known for its unique purple stems, green leaves, and spicy, sweet flavor with hints of anise and clove. This variety of Thai basil is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai dishes like curries, stir-fries, and salads. With 250 seeds in this packet, you’ll be able to grow this fragrant herb in your garden, providing fresh leaves all season long to enhance your cooking. Additionally, the plant’s attractive purple flowers and robust flavor make it a great choice for both culinary and ornamental uses.

Key Features:

• Distinctive Flavor: Siam Queen Thai Basil has a bold, spicy-sweet flavor with notes of anise, clove, and mint, making it a key ingredient in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines.
• Aromatic Herb: Known for its highly aromatic leaves, it adds a delightful fragrance to your garden and kitchen.
• Purple Stems & Flowers: The plant features beautiful purple stems and striking purple flowers, adding a touch of color and elegance to the garden.
• Culinary Uses: Essential for authentic Thai dishes like basil chicken, Pad Thai, green curry, and salads, making it an invaluable addition to any herb garden.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

Growing Information:

• Light: Siam Queen Thai Basil thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow vigorously and produce abundant leaves.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Enriching the soil with compost or organic matter will help promote strong growth and healthy plants.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
  • Sow seeds lightly on the surface of moist seed-starting soil and press them gently down. Thai basil seeds need light to germinate, so avoid burying them too deeply.
  • Germination typically takes 7-14 days at temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during this time.
  • Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into the garden or containers, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
  • Pinch back the tips of the plant regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering, which can reduce leaf production.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Thai basil prefers slightly dry conditions between waterings, so be sure the soil is not constantly soaked. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and avoid fungal diseases.

Benefits:

• Unique Culinary Flavor: Thai basil adds a distinctive spicy-sweet flavor to dishes like curries, stir-fries, pho, and fresh spring rolls. Its anise-like taste enhances both cooked and fresh preparations.
• Medicinal Properties: Like other basil varieties, Siam Queen Thai Basil is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds with potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relief properties.
• Pollinator Support: The small, aromatic purple flowers of Siam Queen Thai Basil attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Low Maintenance: This basil variety is easy to grow with minimal care. Once established, it thrives with regular watering, sunlight, and occasional pruning to promote new growth.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant purple stems and flowers, Siam Queen Thai Basil adds a beautiful, ornamental element to your herb garden.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 9-11. However, in cooler climates, Thai basil can be grown as an annual or indoors in containers.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Siam Queen Thai Basil is a must-have for any herb garden, providing both culinary and ornamental value. Its vibrant purple flowers and aromatic leaves create visual interest and add fragrance to your garden.
• Containers & Raised Beds: This basil variety does well in containers and raised beds, making it an excellent choice for small-space gardeners or urban settings.
• Culinary Gardens: Plant Siam Queen Thai Basil near your vegetable and salad gardens for easy access to fresh leaves when cooking. It pairs wonderfully with tomatoes, peppers, and other summer vegetables.
• Pollinator Gardens: The plant’s beautiful flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Incorporate it into your flower beds or near fruit and vegetable plants.
• Border Planting: Use Thai basil as a border plant along flower beds or garden paths, where it can grow tall and add color, fragrance, and texture.

Conclusion: Siam Queen Thai Basil (Ocimum thyrsiflora) is a flavorful, aromatic herb that enhances both your culinary creations and garden aesthetics. With its unique spicy-sweet flavor, stunning purple flowers, and ease of cultivation, it is a must-have for herb gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and small vegetable plots. The 250 seeds in this packet offer you the opportunity to grow this versatile herb, which will provide fresh basil leaves for a variety of delicious dishes all season long. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, Siam Queen Thai Basil is a fantastic addition to your garden and kitchen.