🌿 How to Grow Thai Basil from Seeds
Common Names:

• Hindi: थाई तुलसी

• Tamil: தாய் துளசி

• Telugu: థాయ్ తులసి

• Malayalam: തായ് തുളസി

• Kannada: ತಾಯಿ ತುಳಸಿ

• English: Thai Basil

• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season herb

• Best time to sow:

  • February to April

  • June to August (monsoon is also good)

• Ideal temperature: 22°C to 32°C

• Cannot tolerate frost or cold winds

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Light, well-draining, and fertile

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Mix compost or well-rotted manure into soil before sowing

• Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 8–10 inches between plants, 12 inches between rows

  • Containers: Use 8–10 inch pots, sow 3–5 seeds per pot

• Soak seeds in water for 4–6 hours before sowing (optional)

• Mist or water lightly after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil moist but not soggy

• Water 2–3 times a week, depending on heat and dryness

• Avoid overwatering and water only at the base

5. Germination

• Seeds sprout in 5–10 days

• Thin seedlings after 2 weeks, keeping strongest plants

• Handle young plants gently while thinning

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 5–6 hours of sunlight daily

• Grows best in warm, sunny locations

• Can tolerate partial shade but thrives in full sun

7. Fertilization

• Add vermicompost or organic compost every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid excessive nitrogen — it reduces aroma and flavor

• Use balanced organic fertilizer or banana peel compost

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites

• Spray neem oil + mild soap every 10–15 days

• Ensure good air circulation between plants

• Remove infected leaves promptly

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 5–6 weeks

• Begin by pinching top leaves to encourage bushy growth

• Never remove more than ⅓ of the plant at once

• Regular harvesting improves flavor and prolongs the life of the plant

10. Regrow Tip

• Can be propagated from cuttings

  • Cut 4–6 inch stem, remove lower leaves

  • Place in water till roots form (7–10 days), then transplant

• For seeds: let plant flower and dry, collect seeds from brown pods

🥗 Health Benefits of Thai Basil

• Contains antioxidants, vitamin A, and essential oils

• Aids digestion and supports respiratory health

• Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

• Boosts immunity and relieves stress