Basil 'Holy Tulsi'

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum / Ocimum sanctum)

Holy Basil, also known as Kapoor Tulsi, is revered in Ayurvedic medicine and spiritual traditions for its fragrant, sweet, clove-like aroma with hints of pepper and lemon. Unlike culinary basils such as Genovese or Dark Opal, it’s primarily grown for teas, tinctures, and wellness-focused gardens rather than cooking.

This variety forms a bushy, compact plant with smaller, aromatic leaves and a distinctly medicinal flavor profile. Regular pinching encourages branching and prolongs the harvest. Its fragrant foliage and delicate blooms also make an interesting, ornamental filler in herb or mixed gardens.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/8” Some light is required

TYPE: Annual

GERMINATION: 5-10 days at 18-21°C

HEIGHT: 16 - 22"

MATURITY: 65 - 70 Days

SPACING: 4 - 8”

PINCH: Yes

HOW TO GROW:
Direct Seed (recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring after the last frost, once the soil has warmed. Sow 2–3 seeds per inch in rows 18" apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. No thinning is required, but spacing plants to 4–8" apart will encourage healthy, full plants.

Transplant (alternative): Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before you plan to plant them outdoors. Sow seeds ¼" deep and maintain a temperature of 21∘C for optimal germination. Transplant when seedlings have 3–4 sets of leaves.

Pinching: Pinch basil plants early and often to encourage a bushy habit and prevent flowering. Pinching the central stem above a set of leaves will encourage new growth from the sides.

Soil Preference and Watering: Basil prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing: Amending the soil with compost before planting is sufficient. If growth seems slow, a light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be used.

Harvesting: For culinary use, harvest leaves as needed. For cut flower and filler use, harvest basil stems when the foliage is firm and the plant has developed flower spikes. Cut in the early morning or late evening and immediately place in a vase of water.