Basil Seeds - Venice
70 to 80 days. Ocimum basilicum. Basil Venice Seeds. Non-GMO, open-pollinated. This crop is suitable for containers, garden plots, and herb/flower beds. If you love the bold, spicy-sweet flavor of Thai basil but want a tidier, more productive plant, Venice is worth a close look. This Thai-type variety delivers that signature anise-and-clove punch with a balance of heat and sweetness that sets it apart from standard sweet basil. The semi-compact habit and exceptionally dense branching make it a natural fit for containers, raised beds, or any spot in the herb garden where you want heavy yields without a sprawling plant. About 13,000 seeds per ounce.
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Read Full Basil Herb Growing Guide Instructions
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
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Ocimum basilicum |
| Basil Color: | Deep green leaves, purple stems and flower spikes |
| Basil Flavor: | Spicy, sweet, anise, clove |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
| Days to Maturity: | 70-80 |
| Days to Germination: | 7-14 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 8-12 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer, 65-85 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes |
| Start Indoors: | Yes, 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors. |
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-80 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Watch for aphids, spider mites, and fusarium wilt. Avoid overwatering to reduce damping off risk. |
| Garden Size: | Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |