Basil 'Thai Sita' Ocimum basilicum 'Thai Sita'
ABOUT
'Thai Sita' has a neat, upright habit, growing to about 30cm. The leaves are narrow and dark green and the stems deep purple. The flowers are purple and white, with dark purple bracts
About this plant
- Names
Family
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Thai Basil, Siam Queen, Thai Sweet Basil, Asian Basil, Licorice Basil, Oriental Basil, Vietnamese Basil
Common names
Ocimum basilicum 'Thai Sita'.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Southeast Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Culinary Use: Thai Basil adds a distinct, spicy anise flavor and a hint of sweetness to Thai and Southeast Asian dishes.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its small, narrow leaves and purplish stems, Thai Basil is commonly used to add a decorative touch to gardens and homes.
- Aromatic Qualities: The plant's leaves are highly fragrant, which can enhance the sensory pleasure of a garden or indoor space.
- Pollinator Attraction: Thai Basil's flowers can attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Companion Planting: When used in companion planting, Thai Basil is believed to help repel certain pests and improve the growth of other plants.
- Culinary Versatility: Beyond traditional Thai cuisine, the herb can be used in a variety of dishes like salads, soups, and pesto.
- Easy to Grow: The plant is adaptable to container gardening and can thrive indoors with adequate light, making it accessible for urban gardeners.
- Medical Properties
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- Antioxidant: Contains compounds like flavonoids and essential oils that may help in reducing oxidative stress.
-- Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce inflammation due to its high concentration of essential oils.
-- Antimicrobial: Exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties which could prevent or slow the growth of various pathogens.
-- Antispasmodic: Could potentially alleviate muscle spasms or cramps.
-- Digestive support: Often used in traditional medicine to promote digestion and alleviate digestive complaints.
-- Stress relief: Aroma from the essential oils is considered to have a calming effect, which might aid in stress relief.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- As a natural fabric dye: The leaves of Thai basil can be used to create a natural green dye for fabrics, providing a sustainable alternative to chemical dyes.
- In aromatherapy: The essential oil from Thai basil is used in aromatherapy for its calming and stress-relieving properties.
- As an insect repellent: Thai basil can be planted in gardens to naturally repel insects due to its strong, pungent aroma.
- In potpourri: Dried leaves of Thai basil are used in potpourri mixtures to impart a fresh and delightful scent to rooms.
- For homemade cleaners: Infusions made with Thai basil leaves can be used as a natural cleaning agent for surfaces in the house.
- In religious ceremonies: In some cultures, Thai basil is used as an offering to deities or in various sacred rituals.
- As a natural food preservative: The antimicrobial properties of Thai basil can help in extending the shelf life of certain food products.
- To enhance the flavor of beverages: Fresh or dried Thai basil leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a flavorful tea or added to cocktails and mocktails for a unique twist.
- As a natural food coloring: The leaves of Thai basil can provide a green hue to dishes, acting as a natural and safe food coloring option.
- For educational purposes: Thai basil can be used in schools and educational programs to teach students about plant growth, gardening, and herb uses.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Thai Basil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Thai Basil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Luck - In various cultures, Thai Basil is associated with good luck, and it is commonly used in rituals or kept in homes and gardens to attract positivity and fortune.
- Protection - The strong aromatic scent of Thai Basil is believed to repel negative energy and bad spirits, symbolizing protection and purification.
- Love - In some Italian folklore, basil is a token of love. Thai Basil, with its unique scent and flavor, extends this symbolism, sometimes being used to convey deep affection in a culinary context.
- Prosperity - The lush green leaves of Thai Basil can represent growth and abundance, making it a symbol of prosperity and success.
- Health - Due to its medicinal properties, including its use in traditional remedies, Thai Basil symbolizes health and well-being.
- Culinary Enjoyment - Known for its role in Thai cuisine, Thai Basil stands for culinary enjoyment and the celebration of flavorful, aromatic cooking.
- Water
Thai Basil requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch—typically once every 2 to 3 days, depending on the weather and soil drainage. It is best to water the plant in the morning, using a gentle stream to soak the soil at the base without wetting the leaves. A general guideline is to provide about 16 ounces of water per plant per watering session, adjusting for size, climate, and soil conditions.
- Light
Thai Basil thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best positioned in a south-facing window or garden spot where it can receive plenty of light. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
- Temperature
Thai Basil prefers warm temperatures and will grow best when the ambient temperature is between 70°F and 90°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50°F, but frost will damage or kill the plant. Consistently warm conditions are ideal for thriving growth.
- Pruning
Pruning Thai Basil is essential for encouraging bushier growth and preventing early flowering. Pinch off the tip of each stem every few weeks to promote branching. The best time to prune is when the plant has 6 to 8 leaves, and regular pruning can continue throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape and size.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Thai Basil prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal for good drainage and root aeration.
- Repotting
Thai Basil should be repotted annually, or when it outgrows its current pot, to refresh the soil and provide more room for growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Thai Basil thrives best at moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40% to 60%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Thai Basil near a sunny window and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with proper spacing and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
- Life cycle
Thai basil 'Thai Sita' begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in warm soil in early spring or after the last frost. Germination typically takes place within a week or two, given adequate moisture and temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C). The seedlings develop true leaves and are transplanted once they are large enough to handle and the threat of frost has passed. As the plants grow, they enter a vegetative stage, producing lush green foliage and distinctive anise-scented leaves. Flowering occurs in late summer to early fall, producing small, purple flowers attractive to pollinators; at this stage, regular harvesting of leaves can prolong the plant's productivity. Following the flowering phase, if seeds are allowed to mature on the plant and are not harvested, they will eventually drop to the ground, completing the cycle by potentially generating new plants for the next growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Summer
Thai Basil, a variety of Ocimum basilicum, is commonly propagated by seeds, which is the most popular method. The ideal time to sow Thai Basil seeds is after the danger of the last frost has passed in spring when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently, typically above 70°F (21°C). To propagate Thai Basil by seeds, you should start by scattering the seeds over the surface of a light, well-drained, moist potting mix. Gently press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them too deeply; a light covering of about 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) is sufficient, as they require some light for germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the container in a warm spot with good indirect light. Germination usually takes place within 5 to 10 days. Once seedlings develop a set of true leaves and are strong enough, they can be transplanted outdoors or into individual pots.