Description
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as Tulsi, is an aromatic annual plant, hardy in USDA growing zones 10-11. It waves from the mint family Lamiaceae. It is an upright plant with a hairy stem bearing ovate leaves with toothed margins. It is a seed-grown plant, available in 3.5” pot. Its aromatic notes and phenomenal medicinal benefits contribute to its versatile profile.
About Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Tulsi is an upright annual plant with a beautiful height of around 12-24 inches when given the optimum favorable conditions. It is a crucial ingredient in Thai cuisine and is regarded in religious frames in Indian culture.
Its leaves are long known for their extraordinary medicinal perks. It helps with both upper & lower respiratory tract infections and manages diabetes, stress, arthritis, hypertension, anxiety, and digestive irregularities. Its regular consumption boosts immunity, strengthens the heart, reduces chronic pain, dissolves kidney stones, and maintains good dental hygiene.
How to use Holy Basil
Holy Basil can be used to formulate:
Tincture: Soak the freshly chopped tulsi leaves in alcohol for 4-6 weeks and filter the liquid in an airtight glass container for later usage.
Tea: Both fresh or dried tulsi leaves can be steeped in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes to form tea.
Decoction: Dried tulsi leaves and roots are heated on low flame in water for an hour. The plant material is pressed and the liquid obtained can be used for making medicinal preparations.
Salve: Dried tulsi leaves and flowers are infused in olive which is later stirred with melted beeswax to form a salve.
Syrup: Dried tulsi leaves and flowers are rolled to a boil in a sugar solution to obtain tulsi syrup.
Infused oil: Dried tulsi leaves are infused in olive oil for 2 to 3 weeks on a windowsill in a clear glass bottle to formulate tulsi-infused oil.
Holy Basil - Live Plant Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holy Basil (Tulsi) an annual or perennial plant?
Tulsi acts as an annual in colder climates but serves as a perennial in tropic and subtropic regions. In frost-free regions, it thrives happily outside in the garden all year round. It is hardy in USDA growing zones 10-11. The annual species produces purple flowers only once a year. The key to a healthy and leafy plant is to delay the flowering by removing the flower heads.
How much space should be needed to grow Holy Basil (Tulsi)?
Tulsi can do well even in a small pot. But if you are planning on transferring it to your beds, make sure that it is at least 18 inches apart from the other plants for better circulation and provision of favorable conditions, especially air (Oxygen, water, and sunlight).
What zone does Holy Basil (Tulsi) grow in?
Tulsi is hardy is USDA growing zones 10-11. Also, the frost-free regions make a really comforting habitat for this plant as they can thrive outside in the garden beds without any worry. However, if you’re a resident of the subtropic and tropic regions you can enjoy the tulsi as a perennial plant.
When should I harvest Holy Basil (Tulsi)?
Tulsi leaves can be harvested 40 days post-germination with a sharp pair of scissors/knife, making sure that around 2-3 leaves remain attached to the stem. For best results, try harvesting it in full bloom stage i.e. 90-95 days after the plantation. You can then harvest the leaves again with a healthy interval of around 60-75 days.
Does Holy Basil (Tulsi) flower or fruit?
Tulsi plants can produce tubular flowers that are purple or white in color with green sepals. They transform into fruits in the form of nutlets that possess plenty of seeds for propagation.