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Growing Venice Thai-Type Basil in the Herb Garden

Start Venice basil seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost, sowing 0.25 inch deep at 70 to 80 F. Germination typically takes 7 to 14 days. Basil is cold-sensitive — do not move transplants outdoors until nighttime temperatures are reliably above 50 F and the soil has warmed to at least 65 F. For direct sowing, wait until soil temperatures reach the same threshold. Choose a full sun location with well-drained, moderately fertile soil and consistent moisture. Space transplants 8 to 12 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart.

The semi-compact, high-density branching of Venice means abundant stems to harvest without an unruly plant. Pinch back the central growing tip early to encourage even more lateral branching, and remove flower buds as soon as they appear to keep flavor strong and production going. Once basil bolts, leaf quality declines quickly — stay ahead of it with regular pinching. Venice is also well suited to container growing, provided the pot drains freely and sits in a spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day.

Harvesting Venice Thai-Type Basil

Begin harvesting lightly once plants have 3 to 4 sets of true leaves and are around 6 to 8 inches tall. Always cut just above a leaf node rather than stripping individual leaves — this prompts the plant to push out two new stems from that point and multiplies future harvests. Morning is the best time to cut, when essential oils are most concentrated. Venice holds its flavor better under heat than sweet Italian basil, making it excellent for stir-fries, Thai curries, pho, and noodle dishes. For storage, freeze leaves in olive oil or dry them for later use. Harvest the entire plant before the first frost of fall.

About Venice Thai-Type Basil Garden Seeds

Thai-type basils have been cultivated throughout Southeast Asia for thousands of years, prized for the spicy, anise-forward flavor that sets them apart from the milder sweet basils common in European cooking. They are a staple in Thai, Vietnamese, and broader Southeast Asian cuisines, appearing in curries, fresh herb plates, and dishes like pho.

Venice is a newer Thai-type variety selected for both culinary performance and garden practicality. Its semi-compact form and exceptionally high-density branching make it a standout among Thai types, delivering heavy yields in a tidy plant that works especially well in containers and smaller garden spaces.

Like all Thai basil, Venice produces purple stems and flower spikes that bring ornamental value to the herb garden and attract pollinators when allowed to bloom. The flowers are edible and carry the same spicy basil flavor as the leaves, making a striking garnish for dishes and drinks.

Tips From Our Gardeners

Thai basil rewards frequent harvesting — the more you pinch and cut, the more the plant branches out. With Venice's already dense growth habit, even light weekly harvesting keeps the plant bushy and producing all season. If you let a few stems flower, the blooms are a hit with pollinators and make a beautiful garnish, but keep pinching the rest of the plant to stay ahead of bolting.

- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer

Venice Thai-Type Basil Seeds Per Package:

• 2 g Packet - Approximately 900 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 13,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 52,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 208,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Venice Thai-Type Basil seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.