Basil, Thai (Ocimum basilicum thai)

Thai Basil, a richly aromatic variety of Ocimum basilicum, is known for its narrow, glossy leaves and striking purple stems. Its bold, complex flavor- bright with notes of anise, spice, and mint,- holds up well in cooking, making it a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. In warm weather, it produces delicate purple-tinged blossoms that attract bees and other pollinators, adding both beauty and biodiversity to the garden.

Traditionally, Thai Basil has been valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its aroma, with fragrant varieties sometimes planted near homes as tokens of good luck and protection. Herbalists have used its leaves in teas and preparations to support digestion and overall well-being. In the modern garden, it thrives as an easy-to-grow annual in sunny, warm locations, rewarding steady harvesting with bushier growth and abundant leaves.