How To Grow Holy Basil All Year Long

About Holy Basil

Here we’ll look at how to grow Holy Basil, (Ocimum sanctum, synonym O. tenuiflorum) one of the most often used of the Ayurvedic herbs holy basil, also known as Tulsi.

Just as uses of this herb are diverse and many, so are types of holy basil. While there are many varieties of this herb, it is broken down into these types:

• Dark Holy Basil or Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum Tenuiflorum or Ocimum Sanctum)

• Light Holy Basil or Rama Tulsi (Ocimum Tenuiflorum or Ocimum Sanctum)

• Wild Leaf Holy Basil or Vana Tulsi (Ocimum Gratissimum)

• Kapoor Tulsi (Common in the United States)

Holy Basil or Tulsi originated in Asia where large, overflowing pots of it continue to grow inside their temples.

The Health Benefits of Holy Basil

Tulsi is said to be both calming and energizing. An adaptogenic herb, (anti-stress agent) It is thought to balance cortisol, making it helpful for many conditions. Stressful situations activate cortisol, and this herb helps calm and regulate it, while at the same time offering a boost of energy.

Holy basil controls mood swings ease depression, and even provides comfort when one is grieving, sources say.

Used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, Tulsi is known to control and prevent many imbalances. These include diabetes control and cancer prevention, improving digestion, and helping respiratory conditions by reducing mucus. Holy basil is also often used for the control of acne.

Holy Basil and Ayurveda

“Of all the herbs used within Ayurveda, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is preeminent, and scientific research is now confirming its beneficial effects,” according to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. Learn more here about what this research shows about Holy Basil.

Some results published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer say “In general, holy basil may not only possibly work as a natural cancer treatment, but another of the many Holy basil benefits include that it may also help to prevent it (cancer).

Research shows that people who regularly consume tulsi are less likely to be immunocompromised and less susceptible to developing cancer cells.” Excellent news for those who consume Tulsi on a daily basis and for those who are about to begin its use.

‘Kapoor’ is the cultivar most commonly grown in the United States

Growing holy basil is similar to growing its counterpart, sweet basil, and other varieties of the herb. The soil must be warm before planting outside, and the final harvest must be completed before frost arrives.

The first step in planting Tulsi is to locate seeds or seedlings to plant. There are several offers for seeds on Amazon. Or check with local organic growers that possibly have seedlings sprouted for Holy Basil.

Planting Holy Basil

When warm temperatures arrive, plant holy basil outside in a prepared bed or container.

Grow Tulsi in a full sun area, where it gets at least six hours of sun each day and preferably eight to ten hours. Prepare the in-ground garden spot several inches deep, about a foot down, laying a good foundation for the roots of your holy basil. Mix in finished compost to enrich the soil and add drainage. 

Plant the tiny seeds about ¼ inch deep in a row and cover lightly with prepared soil. Moisten soil thoroughly, but not to the point of being soggy.

You’ll want to keep the seeds moist until they sprout and afterward, but ground that is too wet can cause seeds to rot or seedlings to damp off. Thin seedlings, leaving about 18 inches between plants. Replant those you've removed into a different location if desired. Tulsi sprouts are too valuable to throw away.

Pruning Holy Basil

When the third set of leaves appears on the plant, you’re likely seeing true leaves and can water lightly once or twice a day, depending on the heat. When plants are around six weeks old, cut back the main stem and all but two sets of leaves on each remaining branch.

Pruning trains the holy basil plant to develop side branches, resulting in a fuller and healthier plant, one you’ll be happy to move inside later on.

Use succession planting to keep freshly grown plants coming up, every two weeks or so. Continued planting is important to make the most of a short growing season. 

Those with short growing seasons may also wish to start Tulsi seeds indoors so you'll be ready to plant seedlings when warm weather arrives.

Harvest Regularly

Harvest the top leaves regularly as this encourages the plant to grow and produce more leaves. This herb can be dried or used fresh for teas and tinctures. Use twice as many fresh leaves as those that are dried. 

Always remove flower buds quickly. If the plant is allowed to flower, Tulsi leaves become bitter and can't be used. 

In late summer or autumn, before the time for frost, transplant your best holy basil plants into containers that can move indoors.  If you're planning an indoor herb container for winter, add a couple of the best, younger Holy Basil plants.

Young plants will likely have the best indoor growth potential. Tulsi is compatible with most perennial herbs, just don’t include fennel in the same container. 

By Becca Badgett

Becca is a long- time gardener with a passion for growing organically in the vegetable garden and sharing her experience. She believes everyone should grow a herb garden, inground or in containers and use those herbs on a regular basis to improve overall health. Her passion for growing led her to attend a Horticulture Program at a local community college and share what she’s learned with numerous articles on the web. She is certified in Greenhouse Management and Operations, Landscape Design and is licensed as an NC Pest Control professional. Take advantage of her expertise through our gardening articles and get your garden growing. She contributed to the book “How to Grow an Emergency Garden”, available on Amazon. Read it free on Kindle Unlimited

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