Holy Basil
CategoryHerbs
Scientific NameOcimum tenuiflorum
DifficultyEasy
Heat stress concentrates flavor oils. Keep soil lean for best taste.
An erect, highly branched subshrub with hairy, often purplish stems and aromatic, elliptic leaves. It is revered for its pungent, spicy-musky scent and sacred status. Delivering the authentic 'hot' flavor of Thai street food, it is the star ingredient of Pad Krapao and a traditional digestive remedy.
Cultivation
Sunlight
Full Sun. Heat stress concentrates eugenol (the 'hot' flavor compound).
Watering
Moderate to dry. Prefers drier conditions than other basils.
Soil Mix
Low-fertility soil concentrates essential oils.
Fertilizer
Minimal. Overfed plants taste weak.
Challenges
Pests & Diseases
Leaf Rollers (caterpillars) fold and skeletonize leaves.
Prevention
Hand-pick caterpillars. Natural oils deter most fungal diseases.
