Holy Basil — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Ocimum tenuiflorum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 55–75 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Plant in rich, well-drained soil in full sun after all frost danger has passed; holy basil (tulsi) is the sacred herb of Hindu worship and traditional Ayurvedic medicine, with an intensely spicy, clove-and-pepper scented flavor distinctly different from sweet Italian basil. The purple-stemmed Kapoor and Krishna varieties are most fragrant; the green-stemmed Vana type has a stronger, more medicinal flavor. Holy basil makes excellent Thai cooking, fresh teas, and pesto, and is reputed to have adaptogenic properties. Grow exactly as sweet basil — pinch flowers early and often to extend the harvest. In zones 10–12 it grows as a short-lived perennial; everywhere else it is grown as an annual. Seed is produced prolifically if a few flower stalks are allowed to mature.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0