Thai Basil Planting Guide
Thai basil has a distinctive anise-licorice flavor with sturdy purple stems and small leaves. It is essential in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines.
Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora · Herb · Lamiaceae family · 50–75 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Thai Basil?
Thai Basil Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Thai Basil planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | Mar 11 | May 13 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 6 | May 8 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 7 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 28 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Jun 27 – Aug 29 |
| Zone 6a | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 28 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | May 27 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | May 17 – Jul 19 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | May 6 – Jul 8 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | Apr 14 – Jun 16 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Feb 1 | Feb 1 | Mar 29 – May 31 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – May 7 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – May 7 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – May 7 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – May 7 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 11b
Growing Tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow after last frost. Thai basil holds up better to heat in cooking than sweet basil. Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
Saving Thai Basil Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Thai Basil by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Thai Basil?
Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) takes 50 to 75 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Thai Basil grow in?
Thai Basil can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Thai Basil need?
Growing Thai Basil requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.