Ocimum, Lemon Basil, Ornamental Basil, Thai Basil 'Siam Queen'
Ocimum x citriodorum
Family: | Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Ocimum (OSS-ih-mum) (Info) |
Species: | x citriodorum (sit-ree-oh-DOR-um) (Info) |
Cultivar: | Siam Queen |
Additional cultivar information: | (aka Thai Siam Queen) |
Synonym: | Ocimum basilicum |
Synonym: | Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum |
Category:
Annuals
Herbs
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Shiny/Glossy
Foliage Color:
Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness:
Not Applicable
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Bloom Color:
Pink
Lavender
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Gaylesville, Alabama
Snowflake, Arizona
Los Angeles, California
Menifee, California
Merced, California
Palm Springs, California
San Jose, California
Delta, Colorado
Brandon, Florida
Largo, Florida
Palm Bay, Florida
Saint Augustine, Florida
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Trenton, Florida
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Kenner, Louisiana
Marrero, Louisiana
Bellaire, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Saint Louis, Missouri
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Ancram, New York
Brooklyn, New York
Buffalo, New York
Polkton, North Carolina
Columbus, Ohio
Vinton, Ohio
Austin, Texas
Deer Park, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Hallettsville, Texas
Iowa Park, Texas
Roanoke, Texas
Round Rock, Texas
Logan, Utah
Leesburg, Virginia
Reston, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Glasgow, West Virginia
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Positive | On Nov 10, 2012, ansonfan from Polkton, NC (Zone 7b) wrote: Thai Basil overwinters easily in a small greenhouse or even on a sunny windowsill. It is ornamental enough to use as a houseplant as long as it gets enough light, and then you can enjoy its aroma all winter. Its spicy flavor can be used in many dishes that benefit from a lemony, peppery flavor such as fish. The blooms are also very long lasting. |
Positive | On Jul 15, 2007, pajaritomt from Los Alamos, NM (Zone 5a) wrote: One of my favorite garden plants. It is beautiful with its purple flowers and it is delicious in various Thai dishes that I like to cook. To purchase it I would have to drive 100 miles so, I grow my own in the summer. Sometimes I have even been able to overwinter it indoors. |
Positive | On Jun 4, 2006, Rapunzel_56 from Ancram, NY (Zone 5b) wrote: I love Thai Basil, but have a hard time finding the plants locally. Next year I'll be growing my own! I use Thai Basil in a flavored oil recipe I use, not only for the lovely flavor, but because it looks so nice and holds up so well. In a gallon of canola oil I put several cayenne peppers, whole pepper -corns, garlic, thai basil and whatever else I've grown in the garden that year! If anyone wants the whole recipe, I would be happy to share! The oil has a wonderful flavor and aroma, and makes a nice gift too. |
Positive | On May 9, 2006, kimchifan from Los Angeles, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: Usually the time for me to grow herbs in my desert garden is winter, but this herb prefers instead the summer time. Whereas the seeds did sprout during the winter, they remained small seedlings for months until the weather warmed and summer came around. This is when the plant really began to grow and become mature. |
Positive | On Sep 1, 2005, critterologist from Frederick, MD (Zone 6b) wrote: Thai basil is one of my favorite edible ornamentals! The huge flower heads are decorative for weeks. Letting the plant flower only seems to affect the flavor of the flowering branches; new growth still seems fine for harvesting. Leaves are fabulous Thai curries]... I mince fresh leaves together with Thai chiles, ginger, garlic, and a little vegetable oil, then freeze in ice cube trays to add to winter stir fries. |
Positive | On Nov 4, 2003, ocimum_nate from American Fork, UT (Zone 5a) wrote: Of the basils I have grown this one has done really well. It is easy to grow. Flowers are attractive but if you want to use this plant for culinary purposes do not let it go to flower. You can do this by pinching it back regularly. I enjoy this basil in stir fries and soups. |
Positive | On Oct 9, 2003, gardenermaid from Bellaire, MI (Zone 5a) wrote: I love this basil. It is wonderful, picked fresh and added to your salad or put in anything you would add basil to. It has kind of a licorice smell to it. |