Thai basil is a popular herb in Southeast Asian cuisine and is a flavorful garnish served with Vietnamese pho (a savory broth of noodles and meat). It holds its flavor and texture better after cooking than other basil varieties and adds a kick to salads when sliced and eaten fresh. Sweet Thai's dark purple flowers and intoxicating scent make it a beautiful addition to the flower garden. A terrific container variety.
Family: Laminaceae
Native: Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Plant Dimensions: 12"–24" tall and wide
Variety Info: Upright, multi-branched, and quite bushy plant with bright green, elliptical leaves, dark burgundy/purple flower heads, and an anise-clove scent. Thai basil is called Horapha in Thailand and Hung Que in Vietnam.
Attributes: Good for Containers