Thai Basil and Holy Basil

When our local WalMart recently added Thai Basil to their live plant offerings, I came to a screeching halt and plopped one in my cart before you could say "Cheaper than a Seed-Pack!"

Naturally, the first thing I did was to snip off some slips to root,

Here, in the 10 ml glass vial to the right of the Million Bells blossom, is the smallest cutting I ever rooted.    This is Ocimum basilicum, or Sweet Thai Basil, not to be confused with Holy Basil aka Tulsi, which Dr. Mercola and others tout as a prevention against Swine Flu.  Tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum.  Holy Basil aka Tulsi has fuzzy leaves and is a little fussier to grow, but well worth the effort because it adds an amazing punch of power to a smoothie. One sip and I turn from a couch potato to an energized bunny.

Thai basil with its smooth and spicy leaves tastes completely different, and is well suited for savory dishes.