Growing Thai Basil Indoors

Growing thai basil indoors

Like so many other herbs it's easy to grow inside as long as its primary sunlight and temperature requirements are met. For optimum growth indoors, Thai basil plants need 6 to 8 hours of direct sun exposure and daytime temperatures between 72-85°F.

How do you keep Thai basil alive?

Caring for Thai basil Thai basil prefers a moist soil, so enrich with compost and manure, water regularly, and mulch to reduce water loss through evaporation. Always water the soil and not the foliage, especially in hot weather.

Can I grow Thai basil indoors in winter?

If you already have a favorite basil plant that produces lots of tasty leaves, there's no reason why you can't keep enjoying it indoors throughout the fall and winter. Placed in a cozy spot on a sunny windowsill, it will thrive throughout the cold months.

Does Thai basil need direct sunlight?

Thai basil prefers soil that is lightly moist, slightly acidic, well-drained and rich in organic matter, such as compost. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate part shade.

Can basil grow indefinitely indoors?

Botanical Name	Ocimum basilicum
Plant Type	Annual

How do you keep potted basil alive indoors?

Basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist. Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering. Your goal when growing basil in a container is to keep the soil from drying out.

What is the lifespan of Thai basil?

While sweet basil is an annual herb that only lasts for one growing season, Thai basil is a perennial herb that can keep growing for two to three years.

How do you harvest Thai basil so it keeps growing?

Remove no more than a third of the plant's total height at a time so that you'll be able to harvest more newly developed basil leaves in two to three weeks. To encourage your basil plant to continue growing more leaves throughout the summer, trim away the flower buds before they blossom.

How do you make Thai basil grow bigger?

Harvest the leaves properly. To keep your plant consistently producing new leaves, avoid leaving too much stem exposed. Use clean, sharp shears to cut off a bunch of leaves directly above a growth point so new leaves are encouraged to grow.

How do you winterize Thai basil?

Remove the leaves from the stems. Wash the leaves and dry them with a paper towel. Then gather them in bunches and wrap the stems with a twist tie. Hang them upside down for a week or two and then break the leaves off the stems into an airtight container and you will have dried basil for the winter.

How cold can Thai basil tolerate?

The cold tolerance of basil begins to suffer when the mercury drops into the 40's (F.) but really affects the plant at 32 degrees F. (0 C.).

Is Thai basil supposed to flower?

The solution is to have many plants, some for leaves, some for flowers. You can either pinch your Thai basil to prevent flowering and harvest the leaves or let the plants flower and use the flowers as a garnish, for cut flower arrangements, or for vinegar.

What is the best potting soil for Thai basil?

This herb needs well-draining, rich soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. If your soil isn't ideal, working in some well-rotted compost can make a world of difference. If you worked compost into the soil at planting time, there's no need to add additional fertilizer early on.

Can Thai basil be grown from cuttings?

But basil can be a bit of a struggle to grow from seed. And even when it isn't, it takes longer than this method does ! Try Growing Thai Basil from supermarket cuttings - the quick and easy way.

Should I let basil flower?

If you are cultivating basil strictly for its leaves, it is best to remove the flowers. Pinching basil blooms back will allow all of the plant's energy to stay focused on foliage production, creating a bushier plant with more leaves and maintaining higher levels of essential oils in the leaves.

Why is basil so hard to grow indoors?

Basil Growing Indoors As basil is not tolerant of water stress, make sure pots provide adequate drainage. While the soil should be kept somewhat moist, it should never be soggy; otherwise, the roots will be prone to rotting. Basil growing indoors will require fertilizing.

Does Thai basil grow back every year?

Thai basil does not come back every year. But if you allow your plant to flower, it will produce seeds that you can then re-plant next year.

How long will an indoor basil plant live?

Conclusion. It is significant to note that basil is a perennial with a short lifespan. Even in the best conditions, the basil plant will not leave more than two to four years, rarely longer.

Why is basil so hard to keep alive?

Basil Thirsts for Water Keep the soil of your basil plants slightly moist at all times. Depending on how much sun your basil gets, you might need to water your basil plant every 1-2 days. But make sure that the pot has good drainage, because soggy soil can lead to rotting roots.

Can basil live without direct sunlight?

ANSWER: When planted outdoors, basil prefers a spot that gets six to eight hours of full sun a day, but it can tolerate partial sun instead. If you live in the south or southwestern U.S. where summers can be a bit brutal, basil will benefit from some afternoon shade.