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Thai Basil

Ocimum basilicum var thyrsiflora

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low - Moderate

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun

2'x2'

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Purple

Year-Round

Remove spent blooms and prune to shape

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

With their lovely, purple stems and purple-veined leaves on a shiny, dark green background, Thai basil plants are grown not only for their culinary uses but also as a small perennial landscape shrub. It’s a favorite of mine to use in pollinator gardens for some color variation. Most of our desert flowers are yellow and a pop of blue/purple is appreciated. A bee and butterfly favorite. Thai basil is a member of the mint family making it generally rabbit resistant as an added bonus.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.