They take on a gelatinous texture similar to chia seeds soaked in water. If you dont have either one, Italian Basil will do! Last summer, my Thai Hubby and I and our kids walked into a small stall at our local farmers market that was packed with any herb seedlings you could imagine that you could grow at home. Just cut them off right above a leaf node and the plant will send out new branches. You can also choose to treat basil like a weed and mow it down. Seeds should be planted about a quarter of an inch deep and 12 inches apart, depending on which hybrid you are growing. Individual plants can easily cover 10 sq. Are you just as confused as Ive been about whats the difference between Thai Basil and Holy Basil? Where did Holy Basil get its name? Our nice large 14 oz bundle is enough to fill up two flower vases. Dont grow it with plants that prefer dry conditions like bay, rosemary, and sage. Is Sweet Basil Same As Thai Basil? This one grows about a foot wide and up to two and a half feet tall when the plant is blossoming. Lemon basil is another option. Propagating Thai basil is both easy and inexpensive. Bisa buat makan siang atau malam . But, unfortunately, some herbs become invasive, crowd other plants, and even take over a garden. Full of garlicky, chilli and peppery basil flavours, it is quick, easy to make and completely customisable with your favourite stir-fry ingredients. Step 6. Thai basil is widely used in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, including Thai, Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian cuisines. Fill in around the sides with soil, gently tamp down, and water well. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. These include fried foods and meals that are high in sugar and sodium. Theres some speculation that it originated in central Africa and gradually shifted across the globe. I asked my friend to track down some seeds for me (there werent any to be found at my local store) so I would never have to be without Thai basil again. And also because it can not tolerate low temperatures. To control damping off, Mycostop is a fabulously effective fungicide that uses a naturally occurring bacterium to stop this fungus in its tracks. Here are some of the most widely used Thai ingredients and information about their nutrition and possible health benefits. Our sister site, Foodal, has a fantastic recipe for shrimp pad Thai. As with the other two types, the flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves are all edible. As a tropical plant, Thai basil is hardy only in very warm climates where there is no chance of frost. If you grow it inside, just make sure the container holds about a gallon and put the plant where it will receive six hours of sunlight. Indeed, unlike the most common "Genovese" (or the Mediterranean) version, this specie of basil is more suitable for cooking and withstand high temperatures. Today, Thai is more commonly used in Western recipes for Vietnamese, Thai, and Malaysian food than sweet or holy basil, even where tulsi would have been the original herb of choice. However, you should be careful not to weed out other plants in the process. What is a good substitute for Thai Basil or Holy Basil? With their lovely, purple stems and purple-veined leaves on a shiny, dark green background, Thai basil plants are grown not only for their culinary uses but also as an ornamental specimen. The history of basil goes all the way back to Ancient Greece where it was a symbol of mourning. The following Thai dishes are less healthy and should be limited to occasional consumption. Stir a half cup of sugar into two cups of water until dissolved and add the soaked seeds. Lavender is famed for its aromatic and therapeutic qualities, and culinary herbs like basil and chives can add to a huge range of dishes. 4 Reasons Why I Travel Internationally with Toddlers (+TONS of Pics from our Euro Trip), Stuffed Mini Peppers with Thai Fried Rice, Rad Na Moo Recipe | Thai Pork Noodles with Gravy. Instead, youll get that sweeter taste and the aroma of cloves. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Add Soil. Add the sauce and stir fry until the sauce has reduced and coats the chicken well. Thai basil is also sweet and smells of anise or licorice, but it is mildly spicy too. Just add diced tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt. Also, water the Thai basil prior to harvest to intensify the flavor. It's a versatile herb, though, and good to have on hand for a punchier caprese or ratatouille, but its true boon is the anise intensity it brings to East and Southeast Asian dishes from Thai coconut milk curry to Taiwanese three cup chicken. Their presence can repel insects, pests, and even some diseases. Best for: Thai noodles, spicy chicken, pork and seafood dishes, curries Substitution Ratio: 1 handful Thai basil = 1 handful holy basil (or holy basil and sweet basil) Holy basil is a member of the basil family well-known in Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisine and in Indian culture (where it is referred to as tulsi and used for its medicinal and religious purposes). The first step is to clean everything. Thai basil has a sweet, anise quality whereas holy basil is found to be spicy and peppery. Planting native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, both independently and with volunteers. Thats why O. basilicum var. Every spring, just as my plants just start to grow big enough that I can pluck the leaves for my recipes, Ill come outside and find that my old enemies have returned. It is revered in India as a sacred, medicinal plant. Instructions. Fried rice and pad Thais are often made with larger proportions of white rice and rice noodles, compared with other ingredients. To choose a healthy Thai meal, opt for a dish thats loaded with plant foods, contains a protein source, and features a variety of herbs and spices. Depending on their ingredients, Thai curries and soups can also be loaded with salt (30). Add the chicken - Add the ground chicken and fry for 2-3 minutes. Sage and rue are not good companions for basil. Traditional Thai cuisine is quite healthy and largely based on vegetables, lean proteins, and fresh herbs and spices. As such, you should not plant it near rue, sage, and rosemary. Sun is a key ingredient. Thai basil may sometimes be called chi neang vorng, anise basil or licorice basil, in reference to its anise- and licorice-like scent and taste, but it is different from the Western strains bearing these same names. Moxies restaurant is a contemporary casual restaurant offering a globally inspired menu and hand crafted cocktails in a vibrant and interactive atmosphere. Phalsa[Grewia asiatica (L.) Tiliaceae] is an exotic fruit with good nutraceutical values. You can wipe tools with a 1:10 bleach to water solution and soak containers in the solution for 30 minutes. That said, is Basil invasive? You can use your basil-infused oil on noodle soups like Pho. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you are a Thai curry fan, you will adore sprinkling Thai Basil as a finishing touch of flavor and color onto your Thai Green Curry, Thai Massaman Curry, Thai Chu Chee Curry, or any Thai curry you adore. Like Italian sweet basil, fresh Thai basil leaves should have a bright color and a not-droopy demeanor, and they don't take too well to drying, so take the time to seek out fresh versions. Thai basil leaves have a distinctive flavor with bold notes of licorice and spice. Delivery & Pickup Options - 305 reviews of Thai Basil "Actually, more like 3.54576745 stars. Whether your soil is sandy or leaning towards the clay end of the spectrum, work in some well-rotted compost before you plant. Zinc. Vitamin C. Vitamin K. Iron. Sweet basil is also called Genoese Basil, it has a sweet aroma with a warm flavor with notes of clove and anise. Then transfer the leaves to a bowl filled with ice water to shock them and stop the cooking process. While most people toss the stems and flowers, you can chop up and eat both. Basil is also the main ingredient for pesto. However, temperatures of 50F and below affects the plant. Pour the sauce into the chicken mixture, stir together and cook for one more minute. In Taiwan the Thai basil is called ku-chn-thah (Chinese: ; pinyin: jicngt; WadeGiles: chiu ts'eng t'a; Peh-e-j: ku-chn-thahh),[6][7] which literally means "nine-storey pagoda". Here's how it differs from Thai basil -- and here's why you need some of that, too. Hitachi AC Flashing Orange/Red/White/Timer Light Meaning! Our dishes are freshly cooked to order, with no MSG added. Coconut milk tastes great and is very good for your health. While this trend hasnt widely caught on in Western culture, the seeds of the plant are phenomenal after theyve been soaked in water and added to drinks and desserts. Thai menus also include some less healthy options, like fried appetizers and drinks made with added sugars. Then lay the leaves on wax paper and put them in a resealable container or bag in the freezer. All rights reserved. Gently remove the seedpods from your basil after theyve appeared and look dried on the head. Seeds are usually cheap and can be found just about anywhere. wild basil: Clinopodium vulgare (Lamiales: Lamiaceae): Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States Jump to: Images | Distribution Maps | Sources Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Lamiales: Lamiaceae Selected Images from Invasive.org View All Images at Invasive.org Flower (s); wild basil - Clinopodium vulgare Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org Firstly, they differ in appearance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); .slick-slider#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83656.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83656.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } We were meandering around, enjoying the warm summer mountain air as our four kids slurped melting watermelon popsicles from a nearby stand, when all of the sudden, my Thai Hubby said, Look! Dont let it happen to you we have some excellent tips for getting rid of gastropods so that you can keep your harvest for yourself in our guide. View Thai Basil & Sushi Trussville, AL, Order Thai food Online , Best Thai Restaurant in AL Before we grew Holy Basil, I would substitute it with Thai Basil in Thai recipes, and it worked. Holy basil, a different species from Thai and sweet thats commonly known as tulsi, has a hint of clove and citrus flavor thats lacking in the other two. Used as a condiment, a plate of raw Thai basil leaves is often served as an accompaniment to many Vietnamese dishes, such as ph (Southern style), bn b Hu, or bnh xo, so that each person can season to taste with the anise-flavored leaves. Were always happy to hear about the adventures of our fellow herb lovers in the comments section below! However, plants like parsley, tansy, catnip, comfy, Artemisia, and all kinds of mint can invade your garden, even using underground runners. This is What An Energy Saver Do On A Samsung Refrigerator! Now that youre armed with the knowledge to keep this herb happy in your home, you might want to check out some of our other guides to growing basil next: Photos by Kristine Lofgren Ask the Experts, LLC. Tulsi or Holy basil - Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a species of . Popular among the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, growing Thai basil has a pleasing aroma similar to sweet basil and is generally used fresh in recipes. The leaves of Thai basil are narrower than sweet basil leaves and have a slightly serrated edge. Fennel is also not a good planting companion for basil. Cook the aromatics - Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Thai food is made with regional herbs and spices that may provide health benefits, such as lemongrass, Thai basil, and turmeric. Dig a hole a few inches wide and deeper than the container that your herb is growing in. The moral of this story is that you should do your best to keep from letting it take hold in your garden. Italian basil is lovely stuff, especially when making pesto, but it's one of more than 100 basil varieties. Basil is native to tropical Asia and belongs to the mint family. Yellowfin tuna crudo ($21) with chili vinaigrette, cucumber, and peanuts carried the scent of Thai cookery, while a beef tartare ($17) with smoked oyster and buckwheat wrapped in shiso leaf (a . How to Identify and Treat 9 Common Rose Diseases, How to Identify and Treat 9 Common Rose Diseases. COPYRIGHT 2023 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. After which, you can gather up the dead materials and use them for mulching or as fertilizer. Add a little water if necessary if the meat gets too dry. Crispy white meat breaded chicken covered in thick sweet and sour sauce, dried chili, pineapple and onion. Place the cutting in a glass of water. You should also make sure youre spacing your plants appropriately. Good quality ones are very pungent and can flavor a lot with just a petal. Place the leaves on a towel and let them dry completely. It can survive in partial sun, but the herb may grow leggier and produce fewer leaves in lower light conditions. Thats when they give off the best taste and aroma. So whats the difference between basil and Thai basil? She was raised in the Utah desert, and made her way to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two dogs in 2018. Be sure to check seed packets for recommendations. If you make a mistake, cut the stem all the way back to the next set of leaves. Cook until meat is cooked, 4-5 minutes. Basil is sweet and peppery, while Thai basil is sweet and spicy. Make sure they have plenty of direct light. V6E 1X4. Overall, the place is worth visiting at least once because they do serve some good dishes. The water has to be clean, because the basil will take on any bad smells or tastes from the water. How to Plant and Grow Plantain, A Culinary and Medicinal Herb, How to Plant and Grow Plantain, A Culinary and Medicinal Herb, .slick-slider#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83657.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83657.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } Like sweet Italian basil, you can add the leaves to salads and meat dishes. That said, is Basil invasive? Ive heard people say that this herb repels aphids, but apparently, the aphids in my garden didnt get the memo. thyrsiflora differ from the species plant, O. basilicum? Thai Culture: Red Curry - See 60 traveler reviews, 10 candid photos, and great deals for Oshawa, Canada, at Tripadvisor. To harvest seeds, wait until the flowers have formed seeds and turned brown. Yes, you can use basil in place of Thai basil and the other way around. We do know that these herbs were used in ancient Egypt and Greece, and in Jewish traditions. But Thai Basil can last 2 years or more. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. I also love to use the flowers in salads and I mix the chopped stems into rice. Holy basil is rich in vitamin K, a fat-soluble micronutrient that helps support heart health and bone mineralization. Growing Tips Give plants full sun, at least six hours per day. Unofficially, basils are generally grouped into three categories, though there isnt any hard and fast rule to define these. The fungi that cause it attack seeds and seedlings. Basil is the classic sweet, peppery type of basil that has the smell of anise or cloves. It is a hybrid of sweet basil and African basil and is a relative of mint. True to its common name, sweet basil has a sweeter flavor and more peppery notes. Rosemary and Thai basil work well planted together as they enjoy similar well-drained soil, water, and fertilization. The next day, add another hour, and another on the next day, and so on. Some items may not be available altogether. Pinch off any flowers that form to encourage the plant to focus on growing foliage. Basil is also a small annual plant with a delicate root system, and it dies quickly when disturbed. Give plants full sun, at least six hours per day. Delicious! Like other basils, Thai basil is a heat-loving plant and is especially susceptible to frost damage. Kristine Lofgren is a writer, photographer, reader, and gardening lover from outside Portland, Oregon. And there are some plants that, if grown near basil, will turn out to be an epic gardening fail. How to Make Thai Basil Chicken. To freeze, remove the leaves from the stem and quickly blanch them in boiling water for a second. This herb suffers from most of the same pests and diseases that other types of basil do. And not only that. [4] With over 40 cultivars of basil, this abundance of flavors, aromas, and colors leads to confusion when identifying specific cultivars.[1]. Is holy basil invasive? This article looks at 10 of the healthiest cuisines, Basil is popular as a food seasoning but also used in teas and supplements to promote health benefits. You can grow basil by transplanting or sowing the seeds directly into the beds in an outdoor garden. Basil leaves are delicate, shiny, smooth, and round with green stems. how to grow thai basilat home.Basil growing time lapseBasil growinghow to grow basil#seeds#timelapse #shorts #shortsvideo #shotsvideo #shots#germinatingseeds. Marigold and basil are naturally good pairs for repelling insects and providing a doubly aromatic garden environment. Since its a granular extended-release fertilizer, it will continue to break down and feed your plants for months. Many Thai dishes are served with rice. Try Thai basil in simmered dishes like Taiwanese braised eggplant and green curry as well as high-heat stir-fries such as Thai basil chicken and Thai tofu (traditionally made with holy basil, but great with Thai basil, too). Holy basil can often be called Thai holy basil making it confusing to differentiate that they are, in fact, not the same herb. If that's not possible, an east or west . Learn about its uses and how it benefits weight, metabolism and heart health. Stir often to prevent burning. Healthy Thai dishes are loaded with veggies and other plant foods, seasoned with herbs and spices, and served with seafood, tofu, and other lean proteins. Basil smells and tastes like cloves, but Thai basil smells and tastes like licorice. Add them as you simmer your vegetable soup or meat stew. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions (you'll likely pour boiling water over them and wait until they're tender! This disease, which is caused by fungi in the genera Alternaria, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium, hits your seeds and seedlings just as theyre getting started. But Thai basil can keep releasing more flavor and even retain it while you subject it to heat. Thai basil has a particularly distinctive licorice aroma, while holy basil brings clove notes to the table. And also because it can not tolerate low temperatures. entire guide on propagating this kitchen essential, available from the Park Seed Store via Amazon, available from Hazzards Seeds via Amazon, read our article on how to control and eradicate these pests, Keeping Basil When it Gets Chilly: Fall and Winter Growing Tips, How to Grow Virginia Stock, A Cordial Summer Visitor, Aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, snails; Damping off, fusarium wilt. Water weekly but keep the water off the leaves; water from the base. Ask for heavy sauces or dressings on the side so that you can decide how much you use. They need warm temperatures, so if you dont live in a tropical or sub-tropical climate, then move it indoors during winter, like we have to. But its hardy leaves stand up especially well to cookingtheir flavor infuses readily into food and the leaves don't wilt quite as much as Italian sweet basil's would. Speaking of getting confused, dont conflate Thai with licorice (O. basilicum Licorice), also known as Persian basil. You can also squeeze in a little lemon to taste, or add some cardamom and pear, or pureed raspberries, to the mix. As the name suggests Thai basil is often used in east Asia and especially to prepare Thai dishes. Tulsi basil (Ocimum sanctumor Ocimum tenuiflorum) is also known as holy basil. In India, the plants are put in containers around Hindu temples to help cleanse visitors. The Thai Basil Prawns was good that it was served also hot, with vegetables that were really fresh and crispy, but the prawns were tiny (1 inch curled up) and not much taste. For one, Thai meals often feature a good balance of macronutrients protein, fats, and carbs. Basil - This family of heat-tolerant herbs includes varieties such as the common sweet basil as well as Genovese, purple, Thai, African blue, and ruffles. I was sooo excited to see Thai Basil, with its kicking-my-boring-office-lunches-up-a-notch potential move in. Once hot, add the oil and the aromatics - in this case, the shallots, chilies, and garlic. Some of the dishes we serve include Green Curry, Sesame Scallops, Bangkok Chicken, and Drunken Noodles. However, some Westernized Thai dishes are deep fried, served in large portions, or contain excessive amounts of added sugar and salt. The three are: sweet (Ocimum basilicum), Thai (O. basilicum var. Ask any Thai person, and they will agree immediately! Dont worry, these top 5 FAQs about Thai Basil and Holy Basil will help you out! Some regard it as sacred and use it for religious purposes. [8] Its leaves are richly green and ovate, but otherwise come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes depending on cultivar. A former professional chef, she develops recipes in addition to reporting on food. thyrsiflora is sometimes confused with the cinnamon cultivar (O. basilicum Cinnamon), also known as Mexican spice basil. You can also make basil mayo dressing if you fancy it as a dip or a sandwich condiment. If you want to harvest the seeds from the plant, you can let it go to seed rather than pinching the flowers. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. These are the same peeps in Tempe and I'm sure Chandler, and now they're in Downtown Phoenix. Thai Basil Substitute. Yes, you can dry them, but even dried leaves have a short life. Product photos via Arbico Organics, Eden Brothers, Hazzards Seeds, and the Park Seed Store Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. It has that licorice taste. If you arent blessed with perfect soil (join the club), youll need to do a little work. The genus name Ocimum is derived from the Greek word meaning "to smell",[3] which is appropriate for most members of the plant family Lamiaceae, also known as the mint family. (480) 704-6013. The plants thrive four to five months a year. Thai basil leaves are stronger and more narrow. Thai basil is known for a the wonderful fragrance and lovely sweet flavor. Learn more about how to freeze fresh herbs in our guide. Sign up for our newsletter. If you worked compost into the soil at planting time, theres no need to add additional fertilizer early on. Popular among the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, growing Thai basil has a pleasing aroma similar to sweet basil and is generally used fresh in recipes. To boost the nutrition of these dishes, opt for brown rice, which has more fiber and nutrients than white rice, if its an option. Thai Magic has large leaves that are bigger than most Thai basils. There are other differences between basil and Thai basil. Healthy Thai meals are veggie-centric, low in calories, and made with lean proteins and Thai herbs and spices. To harden off, put the plant outside in a sheltered spot for an hour and then bring it back indoors. Several studies have linked the consumption of fried foods to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers (28, 29). (Read This First), Lennox Furnace Error Codes E200/ E201/ E223/ E227/ E229/ E250, Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes E15, E24, E25, F2E2, F7E1, AE, Cost To Replace Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor (LG/ Whirlpool/ GE/ Samsung/ Amana). Otherwise, add an all-purpose fertilizer a month after planting. When the chicken is almost cooked, add the minced chilis. Store the seeds in an envelope in a cool, dark spot and use within a year. This variety has a compact growth habit and long violet stems that are packed with vibrant flowers during the summer, so it makes an ideal edible ornamental. You can also choose to preserve the basil seeds in an airtight container. What does Holy Basil look like and Thai Basil look like? Certain Thai dishes are high in refined carbs and may contain deep-fried foods, added sugar, or high amounts of salt. The best way to figure out if the soil is moist enough is the old-fashioned way: stick your finger in the soil. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you live in a city with a Southeast Asian population, you can likely find Thai basil in specialty groceries catering to those communities; additionally, some farmers are beginning to grow and sell the herb at local farmers markets. Thai Basil (Ahwatukee) 4221 E Chandler Blvd suite 106. Then store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Tried these dishes at home but felt they lacked a certain fresh pungency? *Which is different from holy basil, a more medicinal-tasting herb also used in Thai cooking. Once you have your plants in the ground and growing, come back and let us know how it all went. Curries, stir-fries, and soups are made with a variety of vegetables, include a protein source like tofu, lean meat, or seafood, and contain coconut milk, peanut sauces, or other fat. Thai basil, like lemon basil, is great to have as tea. Thai bail has a strong anise flavor profile, so substituting anise for Thai basil is a good option. Just keep in mind that the flavor deteriorates as the plants get older, so its best to pull them and start fresh each year. In fact, one-half cup of . Thai basil leaves are a frequent ingredient in Thai green and red curries, though in Thailand the basil used in drunken noodles and many chicken, pork, and seafood dishes is holy basil. Given its numerous unique qualities, one might wonder if it possesses the ability of invasion. The majority of gardeners tend to grow these herbs as an annual, but you can grow them as perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. Thank goddess, because the pseudo-Asian hole that was in its place before was rank. Some people say its so intense that it almost has a numbing effect to your tongue like a Sichuan pepper. Thai Basil 3682 N Nostrand Ave Ste B (718) 891-8889 $$$ 2619 ratings 90 Food was good 96 Delivery was on time 96 Order was correct See if this restaurant delivers to you. Whats not to love, right? [12][15] The flowers should be pinched to prevent the leaves from becoming bitter. Summary Certain Thai dishes are high in refined carbs and may contain. Other Thai dishes that Holy Basil is in are Pad Kee Maw aka Drunken Noodles (aka one of my fav Thai dishes of all time!) Usually, the containers you pick up at your local store dont just contain one plant, its actually several of them all crowded into that one container. I havent tried it yet, but we are going to harvest our Thai Basil and Holy Basil crop from this year, and give it a try. Basil is an annual herb, and it is not a cold-hardy plant. It does best when the soil stays consistently moist. Keep soil evenly moist. Seedlings will often be thinner and appear to have a water-soaked band at the base, and even if your seedlings do survive, theyll never become robust plants.