Thai Siam Queen Basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Siam Queen'
Height: 3 feet
Spacing: 20 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: (annual)
Other Names: Thai Basil, Asian Basil, Oriental Basil
Description:
A very ornamental variety with purple flower spikes in mid summer; large, dark green leaves have a licorice flavor; great for mixed containers, herb gardens, and annual beds
Edible Qualities
Thai Siam Queen Basil is an annual herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The fragrant pointy dark green leaves are usually harvested from early summer to early fall. The leaves have a spicy taste.
The leaves are most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Cooking
- Seasoning
Planting & Growing
Thai Siam Queen Basil will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 20 inches apart. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.
This plant is quite ornamental as well as edible, and is as much at home in a landscape or flower garden as it is in a designated herb garden. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Thai Siam Queen Basil is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
Sizes Available:
3.5" CONT $3.99
