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Thai Basil

Thai basil microgreens (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) are an herb microgreen with an anise, licorice and spicy flavor, ready to harvest in 12-18 days. MicrogreenUSA grows them sushi-grade indoors for wholesale standing orders, and they are best for SE Asian cuisine.

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Thai Basil Microgreens

Thai basil microgreens carry a bold licorice-anise character with a peppery edge, echoing the herb that defines much of Southeast Asian cooking in a delicate young form.

A precise finishing note for pho, curries, spring rolls and Vietnamese and Thai plates where mature Thai basil would be too coarse.

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Common nameThai Basil
Botanical nameOcimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora
CategoryHerbs
FlavorAnise, licorice, spicy
Grow time12-18 days
Best forSE Asian cuisine
AvailabilityYear-round wholesale
Minimum order5 lbs / week
Grow Data & Sources

What do seed suppliers publish for growing Thai basil microgreens?

These figures are True Leaf Market's published guide for Basil - Thai - Microgreens Seeds (Ocimum basilicum), not our farm schedule (that is on our process page).

Seeding rate (10x20 tray)1 oz per 10"x 20" tray
Pre-soakNo (No Soak)
Germination2-4 days
Blackout2-5 days
Days to harvest18-30+ days
Flavorclassic basil flavor cut with an intense licorice flavor and aroma

Sources: True Leaf Market.

How does Thai basil compare with the other microgreens we grow?

At 18-30+ days, Thai basil is the 17th fastest of 18 varieties by supplier harvest window. Thai basil goes on dry in the supplier guide.

Is there USDA nutrition data for Thai basil microgreens?

Not from a lab: FoodData Central has no entry for Thai basil microgreens, so we print no nutrient figures.

Are Thai basil microgreens a food-safety concern?

FDA classes Thai basil microgreens as covered produce, not sprouts (FDA guidance).

Common Questions

Thai Basil FAQ

What do Thai basil microgreens taste like?

Thai basil microgreens have an anise, licorice and spicy flavor. They carry a bold licorice-anise character with a peppery edge, echoing the herb that defines much of Southeast Asian cooking in a delicate young form. They are the young cotyledon-stage greens of Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora, harvested before the first true leaves appear.

How long do Thai basil microgreens take to grow?

Thai basil microgreens take 12-18 days from seed to harvest in our indoor farm. The seed is sown dry with no pre-soak. For comparison, seed suppliers publish 18-30+ days in True Leaf Market's guide. By that supplier window it is the 17th fastest of the 18 varieties we grow. Our full growing process is on our process page.

How do chefs use Thai basil microgreens?

A precise finishing note for pho, curries, spring rolls and Vietnamese and Thai plates where mature Thai basil would be too coarse. In our wholesale program they are best for SE Asian cuisine. They are available year-round on a standing weekly order, on their own or as part of a custom blend with other varieties from our catalog of 20.

How long do Thai basil microgreens last after delivery?

Thai basil microgreens keep 5-7 days, since basils are the most delicate greens we grow, when refrigerated at 34-38°F in sealed packaging and kept away from ethylene-producing produce. They are clean-cut with sanitized blades and in cold storage within 45 minutes of harvest, so orders typically arrive with 5-10 days of shelf life remaining.

How do I order Thai basil microgreens wholesale?

Order through a MicrogreenUSA wholesale account. The minimum is 5 lbs per week for a single restaurant, and Thai basil microgreens can be packed in 2, 4 or 8 oz anti-fog clamshells, 1-5 lb vacuum-sealed bulk pouches or uncut living trays. Southeast USA accounts get deliveries on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and we reply to applications within 24 business hours.

Do Thai basil microgreen seeds need soaking?

True Leaf Market's grow guide for Basil - Thai - Microgreens Seeds (Ocimum basilicum) lists no pre-soak, then lists 2-4 days germination, 2-5 days of blackout and 18-30+ days to harvest. Our farm sets its own soak times by seed size; the schedule is on our process page.