Thai Basil Seeds

Thai basil is one of the easiest herbs for the Malaysian climate. It enjoys heat and sun, and with regular pinching it becomes a bushy plant that keeps giving for months.

1. Sow seeds on moist seedling mix and cover very lightly.
2. Keep the mix moist. The seeds form a jelly-like coat when wet — this is normal.
3. Transplant to pots when seedlings have 3–4 true leaves.
4. When plants are about 15 cm tall, pinch off the top pair of leaves to encourage branching.
5. Keep picking, and nip off flower spikes so the plant keeps making leaves.

Tip: water at the base in the morning. Leaves that stay wet overnight in humid weather are more likely to develop fungal spots.