Thai Holy Basil Red Herb Seeds
Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Thai Holy Basil Red is a fragrant warm-season herb prized for its purple-tinged foliage, aromatic leaves and traditional use in Thai cooking. Also known as red tulsi or holy basil, this vigorous basil variety is ideal for herb gardens, kitchen gardens and container growing.
Key Attributes
Authentic Thai HerbEssential for stir-fries, curries, soups and traditional Thai dishes. |
Aromatic LeavesDistinctive spicy, clove-like flavour with warm basil notes. |
Purple-Tinged GrowthAttractive red-purple stems and foliage add colour to herb gardens. |
Fast GrowingQuick to establish in warm conditions with regular harvesting. |
Pollinator FriendlyFlowers attract bees and beneficial insects when allowed to bloom. |
Suitable for PotsIdeal for containers, raised beds, balconies and kitchen gardens. |
Product Description
Thai Holy Basil Red is a highly aromatic basil variety grown for its distinctive flavour, attractive colour and traditional culinary value. It produces upright plants with purple-red stems, green to purple-tinged leaves and fragrant flower spikes as plants mature.
The leaves have a stronger, spicier flavour than sweet basil, with warm clove, pepper and anise-like notes. Thai Holy Basil is widely used in stir-fries, curries, noodle dishes, soups and herbal teas, and is especially valued in traditional Thai recipes such as pad kra pao.
This vigorous warm-season herb grows best in sunny, well-drained positions and responds well to regular picking. Frequent harvesting encourages bushier plants, tender new leaf growth and a longer productive season.
Why Grow Thai Holy Basil Red?
- Distinctive spicy, clove-like flavour for Thai cooking.
- Attractive purple-red stems and colourful foliage.
- Excellent for stir-fries, curries, soups and herbal teas.
- Fast-growing herb suited to warm Australian conditions.
- Suitable for garden beds, raised beds and containers.
- Flowers attract bees and beneficial insects.
Plant Details
| Plant Type | Warm-season annual herb |
| Growth Habit | Upright, branching basil |
| Plant Height | 40–70 cm |
| Leaf Type | Aromatic green to purple-tinged leaves |
| Days to Harvest | 60–80 days |
Sowing Information
| Sowing Method | Direct sow or raise seedlings |
| Sowing Depth | 2–5 mm |
| Germination | 7–14 days |
| Soil Temperature | 20–30°C |
| Plant Spacing | 25–30 cm |
| Row Spacing | 40–60 cm |
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
When to Sow Thai Holy Basil Red in Australia
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Growing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | October – January | Start after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed. |
| Temperate | September – February | Sow through the warm season for regular leaf harvests. |
| Subtropical | August – March | Performs well in warm conditions with regular water and airflow. |
| Tropical | Year-round | Best in warm, humid conditions with free-draining soil. |
| Arid | September – March | Provide regular moisture and protect from extreme dry heat. |
How to Grow Thai Holy Basil Red
Sow seeds into warm, fertile, well-drained soil or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are consistently warm. Basil seed needs warmth to germinate well, so avoid sowing into cold soil.
Choose a sunny position with protection from strong wind. In hot inland areas, plants may benefit from light afternoon shade. Keep soil evenly moist during germination and early growth, then water regularly to maintain tender leaf production.
Pinch out growing tips once plants are established to encourage branching and bushier growth. Regular harvesting helps delay flowering and keeps plants productive for longer.
Remove flower spikes if the main goal is leaf production, or allow some flowers to bloom to attract bees and beneficial insects.
Harvest
Harvest young leaves and tender shoot tips once plants are well established. Pick regularly to encourage fresh new growth. For best flavour, harvest in the morning and use leaves fresh in cooked dishes, teas or garnishes.
Perfect For
- Thai cooking and traditional stir-fries
- Pad kra pao, curries, soups and noodle dishes
- Fresh herb gardens and kitchen gardens
- Raised beds, containers and patio pots
- Warm-season herb production
- Herbal teas and aromatic garnishes
- Bee-friendly and beneficial insect plantings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thai Holy Basil the same as Thai Basil?
No. Thai Holy Basil is usually Ocimum tenuiflorum, while Thai Basil is commonly Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora. Holy basil has a stronger, spicier flavour.
What does Thai Holy Basil Red taste like?
Thai Holy Basil Red has a spicy, clove-like flavour with warm basil, pepper and anise-like notes.
Can Thai Holy Basil Red be grown in pots?
Yes. It grows well in pots and containers when provided with warmth, sunlight, good drainage and regular watering.
Is Thai Holy Basil Red annual or perennial?
It is commonly grown as a warm-season annual in most Australian gardens, although it may persist longer in warm frost-free climates.
How do you harvest Thai Holy Basil?
Harvest young leaves and shoot tips regularly, cutting just above a leaf node to encourage bushy new growth.
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