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Ocimum basilicum ‘Siam Queen’ (Thai Basil)

Thai Basil 'Siam Queen', Siam Queen Basil, Ocimum × africanum 'Siam Queen', Ocimum × citriodorum 'Siam Queen'

All American Selections
Ocimum basilicum 'Siam Queen', Thai Basil 'Siam Queen', Siam Queen Basil, Big Basil Leaves, Large Basil Leaves

An improved Thai basil or tropical basil, Ocimum basilicum ‘Siam Queen’ is a vigorous annual herb boasting highly aromatic, glossy green leaves rich with a licorice basil aroma. As an added bonus, it is late to produce flowers, which often makes basil develop a bitter taste. In many Thai dishes, Thai basil is added last, just prior to serving for its fragrance and flavor. While most basils are grown just for their leaves and flavor, Siam Queen Basil is prized for both its culinary use and ornamental qualities: green foliage and attractive lavender flowers. Remember it is of tropical origin, so provide warm soil and air temperatures for rapid vigorous growth.

  • All-America Selections winner (1997).
  • Grows up to 20-24 in. tall and wide (50-60 cm).
  • Performs best in light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Water freely in summer. Basil is extremely frost sensitive.
  • Harvest mature leaves for fresh use at any time.
  • Although Basil naturally repels mosquitoes and flies, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
  • Basil is a valuable addition to the vegetable garden and an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, parsley, lettuce, asparagus, beans, beets, cabbage, eggplant, marigolds, potatoes, or oregano. Avoid planting Basil near Rue (Ruta graveolens) and Sage (Salvia officinalis).
  • While Basil makes a colorful and flavorful addition to many dishes, it can also provide some health benefits. Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and essential oils. However, all these great compounds disappear during the process of drying, so opt for fresh basil whenever possible to enjoy the most benefits. Basil can help reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure, fight free radicals, and reduce high blood sugar levels. Basil has antibacterial properties.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and powdery mildews. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Pinch out flowerheads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. Cut back after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors.

Basil: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting


Learn how to plant, grow and harvest basil and add flavor to your favorite recipes

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Herbs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Common names Basil, Sweet Basil
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ocimum basilicum lettuce leaf (Lettuce Leaf Basil)
Ocimum ‘African Blue’ (African Blue Basil)
Ocimum basilicum ‘Lemon’ (Lemon Basil)
Ocimum basilicum ‘Lime’ (Lime Basil)
Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora (Thai Basil)
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum ‘Greek’ (Greek Basil)

Recommended Companion Plants

Allium sativum (Garlic)
Borago officinalis (Borage)
Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile)
Origanum vulgare (Oregano)
Tagetes (Marigold)
Tropaeolum (Nasturtium)

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Basil: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting
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Best and Worst Companion Plants for Basil
Ocimum basilicum (Basil)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Herbs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Common names Basil, Sweet Basil
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Ocimum (Basil)
Not sure which Ocimum (Basil) to pick?
Compare Now

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