Sweet Thai or Holy?
Basils in Bulk
How many Thai basil plants do I need for an all-summer supply?
As a passionate lover of Thai cuisine, I've always enjoyed adding the unique flavours of Thai basil to my dishes.
Whether it's the fragrant and slightly sweet notes of Sweet Thai Basil or the peppery and spicy kick of Holy Basil, these aromatic herbs are essential ingredients in many Thai recipes.
Both Sweet Thai Basil and Holy Basil are a rare find in UK shops, and when available, they often come with a hefty price tag due to their limited availability.
Over time, I've come to realise that to keep up with the demands of my ever-hungry family, I need to grow more Thai basil plants than I initially thought. And unlike chillies, basils are all about vegetation and quite a lot of it too.
Understanding the Seasons in the UK
Before we dive into the specifics, let's take a quick look at the UK's climate during the summer months. In 2022, the North West region experienced varying temperatures and sunshine hours from May to October. Understanding these seasonal changes is crucial for successful basil cultivation.
Early Spring (May and June): During these months, the temperature is still on the cooler side, and sunshine hours are relatively low. It's important to be gentle with your basil plants at this stage, allowing them to establish themselves and grow without over-picking the leaves.
Summer (July and August): This is when the UK experiences its peak summer weather. The temperature rises, and daylight hours become longer. Basil plants flourish during this period, growing rapidly and providing an abundance of leaves.
Late Summer (September): While still warm, September marks the beginning of a gradual decline in temperature and daylight hours. Basil plants continue to produce leaves, but growth begins to slow down.
Early Autumn (October): As we move into October, both temperature and daylight hours decrease significantly. Basil plants will still yield leaves, but it's essential to be cautious not to over-pick, as the growing conditions become less favourable.
Calculating the Number of Basil Plants You Need
To ensure a continuous supply of Thai basil leaves for your culinary adventures, let's break it down by the number of plants you should consider:
For a Family of Four (May to October): You'll want a total of 6 basil plants. This will allow you to cook Thai dishes twice a week throughout the entire summer, from May to October.
For Peak Summer Months (July, August, and September): If you're only looking to cook Thai dishes during the height of summer, you can get by with 4 basil plants.
Popular Thai Dishes and Their Basil Varieties
Now that you know how many basil plants you need, here are ten popular Thai dishes that incorporate either Sweet Thai Basil or Holy Basil:
Tom Kha Gai soup
Each of these dishes relies on the distinct flavour profiles of Sweet Thai Basil or Holy Basil to create that authentic Thai taste. Experiment with these recipes to experience the delightful diversity of Thai cuisine.
World of Chillies was set up by Sarah Hunt in 2011 to promote chilli growing and the enjoyment of everything hot and spicy.
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