Thai Basil Planting Guide
Spicy, anise-flavored basil with purple stems and small dark leaves — essential in Southeast Asian cooking
Flavor notes: Anise-like and spicy-sweet.
Variety notes: Best for Thai, Vietnamese, and high-heat cooking.
Best Time and Place to Plant Basil
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 5 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Thai Basil in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 70F to 90F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 20 to June 20 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 15 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 5 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | February 1 to April 1 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 15 to March 15 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 70F to 90F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water when top inch of soil is dry; avoid overhead watering
- Days to harvest: 65
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Light feeding every 4 weeks
- Compost organic: 1 inch worked into soil before planting
- Worm Castings organic: 1/4 cup per plant monthly
Companion Plants
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
Avoid Planting Near
- Rue
- Sage
Harvest Signs
- Harvest tips when plant is 6-8 inches tall
- More heat and spice-tolerant than Italian basil
- Harvest before flowering for best flavor
- Purple flowers are also edible and fragrant
FAQs
When should I plant Basil?
Basil planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 5 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Basil?
The best time of year to plant Basil is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 70F to 90F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 5 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Basil?
Plant Thai Basil in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 70F to 90F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Basil?
Plant Basil about 12 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Basil?
Basil is commonly paired with Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant.