Thai Siam Queen Basil Herb Seeds
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Thai Siam Queen Basil is a highly aromatic Thai basil variety prized for its sweet anise-clove flavour, attractive purple stems and excellent garden performance. Popular in Thai, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cooking, this warm-season herb produces flavourful leaves over an extended harvest period.
Key Attributes
Authentic Thai BasilClassic Southeast Asian herb with sweet anise-clove flavour. |
Excellent Culinary FlavourIdeal for stir-fries, curries, noodle dishes and fresh garnishes. |
Attractive Purple StemsOrnamental plants with green leaves, purple stems and flower spikes. |
Slow to FlowerProduces usable leaves for longer than many standard basil types. |
Container FriendlySuitable for pots, raised beds, herb gardens and kitchen gardens. |
Warm Season PerformerThrives in warm, sunny Australian growing conditions. |
Product Description
Thai Siam Queen Basil is a popular Thai basil variety grown for its distinctive flavour, attractive appearance and reliable leaf production. The leaves have a sweet, spicy anise-clove aroma that holds up well in cooked dishes and adds authentic flavour to Asian cuisine.
Plants produce glossy green leaves on purple stems, followed by striking purple flower spikes if allowed to bloom. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and helps maintain a steady supply of tender leaves throughout the growing season.
Siam Queen is well suited to herb gardens, kitchen gardens, raised beds and containers. It is especially valued for Thai curries, stir-fries, noodle soups, rice paper rolls, salads, laksa, pho and fresh garnishes.
Why Grow Thai Siam Queen Basil?
- Distinctive sweet anise-clove flavour for Asian cooking.
- Excellent for Thai curries, stir-fries, soups and noodle dishes.
- Attractive purple stems and ornamental flower spikes.
- Produces aromatic leaves over an extended harvest period.
- Suitable for pots, raised beds and kitchen gardens.
- Warm-season annual herb ideal for summer growing.
Plant Details
| Plant Type | Warm-season annual herb |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy herb |
| Plant Height | 45–60 cm |
| Leaf Type | Aromatic green leaves with purple stems |
| Days to Harvest | 60–75 days |
Sowing Information
| Sowing Method | Direct sow or raise seedlings |
| Sowing Depth | 3–5 mm |
| Germination | 5–10 days |
| Soil Temperature | 20–25°C |
| Plant Spacing | 25–30 cm |
| Row Spacing | 30–40 cm |
| Position | Full Sun |
When to Sow Thai Siam Queen Basil in Australia
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Growing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | October – January | Start indoors early or sow after frost danger has passed. |
| Temperate | September – February | Sow into warm soil and harvest regularly for bushy growth. |
| Subtropical | August – April | Excellent warm-season herb for regular summer harvests. |
| Tropical | April – September | Best grown in the dry season with good airflow and drainage. |
| Arid | August – March | Provide consistent moisture and afternoon protection in extreme heat. |
How to Grow Thai Siam Queen Basil
Sow Thai basil seeds into trays, pots or prepared garden beds once the weather is warm. Basil prefers fertile, well-drained soil, regular moisture and a sunny position protected from frost.
Keep the soil evenly moist during germination and early growth. Transplant seedlings once they are large enough to handle and outdoor temperatures are reliably warm.
Pinch out the growing tips when plants are young to encourage branching and fuller growth. Regular harvesting helps delay flowering and keeps plants producing tender, aromatic leaves.
Remove flower spikes if the main goal is leaf production, or allow some plants to flower for ornamental value and pollinator interest.
Harvest
Begin harvesting once plants are well established and have produced several sets of leaves. Pick individual leaves or cut stem tips regularly to encourage new growth. For the best flavour and texture, harvest before plants become heavily flowered.
Perfect For
- Thai and Southeast Asian cooking
- Curries, stir-fries and noodle dishes
- Pho, laksa and fresh herb garnishes
- Rice paper rolls, salads and soups
- Home herb gardens and kitchen gardens
- Pots, containers and raised beds
- Market gardens and fresh herb production
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Thai Siam Queen Basil taste like?
Thai Siam Queen Basil has a sweet, spicy anise-clove flavour that is stronger and more aromatic than standard sweet basil.
What is Thai basil used for?
Thai basil is widely used in Thai curries, stir-fries, noodle soups, pho, laksa, salads, rice paper rolls and fresh Asian-style garnishes.
Can Thai Siam Queen Basil be grown in pots?
Yes. It grows well in pots and containers when given full sun, good-quality potting mix and regular watering.
Does Thai basil need full sun?
Yes. Thai basil performs best in full sun, although light afternoon protection can help in very hot climates.
Is Thai Siam Queen Basil an annual or perennial?
Thai Siam Queen Basil is generally grown as a warm-season annual herb and is sensitive to frost.
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