Thai Basil is a Tender Annual.

It loves heat even more than sweet basil. It thrives in the hottest part of summer. Unlike other basils where you pinch off flowers to keep the leaves tasting good, 'Siam Queen' leaves retain their flavour even when the plant is blooming, allowing you to enjoy the display and the harvest.

The "Horapha": This is the variety known as *Horapha* in Thailand, used for cooking (as opposed to Holy Basil/Tulsi which is often used for tea/medicinal purposes).

This basil hates the cold. Do not rush it outside!

Germination:
Sow indoors from March to May. Scatter seeds on the surface of moist compost and cover very lightly with vermiculite (they need light to germinate). Keep warm (20°C+). Germination takes 7-14 days.

Where to Sow:
Plant out only when nights are warm (June). It needs a hot, sunny spot sheltered from wind. It grows brilliantly in pots on a sunny patio or greenhouse.

Care While Growing:
Pinch: When the seedling is 15cm tall, pinch out the top set of leaves. This forces it to bush out and creates a sturdier plant that won't flop over.

Create a spicy, hot-coloured corner of the garden:

• 🌶️ Chillies (e.g., 'Basket of Fire'): The Curry Bed. Thai Basil and Chillies are the perfect culinary pair. They both love the exact same hot, sunny growing conditions and look great together in pots.
• 🧡 Tagetes 'Burning Embers': The Pest Patrol. The strong scent of Marigolds helps deter pests from your basil, while the burnt orange flowers contrast beautifully with the purple stems of 'Siam Queen'.

Sow indoors Spring. Harvest Summer to Autumn.