How to Grow Thai Basil in New Zealand
Anise and licorice flavoured basil with purple stems, essential for Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Handles warm, humid northern summers better than Italian basil, so it is a strong choice for Auckland and Northland. Sow once the soil is warm, pinch the tips to keep it bushy, and water at the base.
When to plant thai basil in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | September, October, November, December |
Best thai basil varieties for NZ
- Thai Sweet Basil (Horapa) — The standard Thai basil. Purple stems, green leaves, strong anise-clove flavour. Essential for pad krapow and green curry. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
- Holy Basil (Krapao) — More peppery-clove than sweet Thai. Hairy leaves. The one used in stir-fried holy basil with chilli. Harder to find. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow thai basil
- Space plants about 25cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow thai basil near: Tomato, Capsicum, Eggplant, Chilli.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Whitefly, Slugs and snails. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant thai basil in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy thai basil seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ.