White Flower Farm
Basil 'Sweet Thai'
Best aromatic herb for home cooks and ornamental garden enthusiasts.
This improved cultivar of Thai Basil, 'Sweet Thai', is prized for its intense, spicy flavor reminiscent of anise and clove. It grows to a height of 16-20 inches, featuring slender green leaves contrasted by distinctive purple stems, making it visually appealing in garden arrangements. Beyond its ornamental value, it is excellent for flavoring Thai and Cambodian cuisine, as well as enhancing chutneys and marinades. The lovely flowers can also be used as a garnish for salads and roasted vegetables. This tender herb requires warmth and sun for optimal growth.
$8.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1787
/ 3268
#1787 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
SKU
4597
/ S
Who it's for
- Landscapers wanting ornamental plants for herb garden aesthetics
- Home cooks seeking authentic Southeast Asian flavor profiles
- Gardeners living in regions with intense summer heat
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners unable to commit to regular plant maintenance
- Growers in humid climates prone to fungal plant diseases
- Chefs looking for traditional Italian basil for classic recipes
Performance breakdown
Flavor intensity
Bold notes of anise and clove elevate authentic Southeast Asian recipes.
Ornamental appeal
Striking purple stems provide a sophisticated contrast in garden beds.
Culinary versatility
Edible flowers and aromatic leaves offer multiple uses in the kitchen.
Growth consistency
Reliable cultivar performance when provided with sufficient warmth and sunlight.
Shipping reliability
Timed delivery ensures plants arrive ready for optimal spring planting.
Hardiness range
Strict climate requirements limit success to warmer growing zones.
Key Specs
SKU
S4597
Ships as
1 PINT (28.86 CU IN.)
Mature Height
16-20 inches
Spacing
18 inches
Hardiness Zone
9-10
Features
- Intense, spicy flavor with notes of anise and clove
- Distinctive purple stems add ornamental appeal
- Versatile for use in Thai, Cambodian dishes, chutneys, and marinades
- Flowers can be used to garnish salads and roasted vegetables
- Ships at the right time for spring planting
What customers say
Consumers overwhelmingly celebrate the superior quality of this Sweet Thai Basil. Reviewers frequently note the plants arrive robust and healthy, making transplanting remarkably easy. The vigorous growth habit ensures a plentiful harvest, delivering the authentic, slightly spicy anise flavor expected. While the initial cost is higher, the reliability and high yield confirm its strong value proposition for serious gardeners seeking premium herbs.
Know before you buy
While standard basil has a mild, peppery sweetness, 'Sweet Thai' offers a much more intense, spicy profile with distinct notes of anise and clove. It also features a more compact growth habit with striking purple stems that set it apart visually.
Yes, 'Sweet Thai' basil is well-suited for containers given its mature height of 16-20 inches. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and is placed in a spot that receives full, direct sun.
This is a tender herb that thrives in warmth and full sun. It is best suited for hardiness zones 9-10, so ensure all danger of frost has passed before planting it outdoors.
The flowers are entirely edible and make a beautiful, flavorful garnish for salads and roasted vegetables. While you can leave them for their ornamental appeal, pinching them off will encourage the plant to produce more foliage if your primary goal is harvesting leaves.
To ensure proper airflow and healthy development, space each plant 18 inches apart. This spacing prevents overcrowding and helps the plant reach its full potential.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$8