How to Grow Tulsi Plant | Care and Growing Holy Basil

Tulsi, a medicinal herb is native to India, its spicy and refreshing fragrance and tiny colorful flowers makes this a useful houseplant. Tulsi grows as a perennial plant in areas with mild winter and as an annual in cold and temperate climates.
USDA Zones — 10-11, can be grown in the cooler zones as annual

Difficulty — Easy
Other Names — Ajaka, Albahaca Santa, Bai Gkaprow, Baranda, Basilic Indien, Basilic Sacré, Basilic Sacré Pourpre, Basilic Saint, Brinda, Green Holy Basil, Hot Basil, Indian Basil, Kala Tulsi, Kemangen, Krishna Tulasi, Tulsa, Manjari, Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Parnasa, Patrapuspha, Red Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Sacred Purple Basil, Shyama Tulsi, Sri Tulasi, Suvasa Tulasi and Tulsi Patra.

Varieties

There are more than 100 different varieties but the most known and used are three:

Rama Tulsi

Rama Tulsi or Bright tulsi is a broader leaf variety and can be found in parts of China, Nepal, India and southern South America. It is used to promote healthy digestion and has a milder flavor than other tulsis but more stronger scent when the leaves are crushed.

Krishna Tulsi

Krishna Tulsi or purple leaf Tulsi grows in many parts of India, but this dark purple variety is harder to find than the greener. It is especially useful for curing respiratory infections, ear infections and skin problems. It grows slower than other varieties, which may contribute to its spicy, pungent flavor and odor. Purple leaf basil is also less bitter and astringent than other tulsis.

Vana Tulsi

Vana Tulsi Tulsi or Wild forest holy basil is the most difficult variety to find, it grows around the foothills of the Himalayas. It is the tastiest and beneficial in all the tulsis. It has light green upper leaves and dark green lower leaves.

Propagation and Planting

Sow seeds outdoors in late spring or early summer, when the temperature range around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). For an earlier start in spring, sow the seeds indoors in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill.

Place the tulsi seeds on top of the soil and tamp them for good soil to seed contact, cover the seeds with 1/4 inch layer of compost or soil. Water the seeds with sprayer and place them where they receive part morning sun. Keep the soil constantly moist until the germination, which will take around 1-2 weeks.
When the seedlings have grown two or three sets of true leaves carefully transplant them in individual containers or outdoors, taking care not to disturb the roots.
*As tulsi is a tropical plant you can grow it anytime in tropics.

Requirements for Growing Tulsi

Requirements of growing tulsi is similar to common basil

Soil

Tulsi grows well in loamy and fertile soil with good drainage, pH level around 6 to 7.5 is optimal.

Sun

Holy basil thrives in full sun but grows in partial shade too, at least four hours of sunlight a day is required.

Watering

Water the plant when top one inch of soil is dry. Do not water during rain. Reduce watering by the winter to prevent diseases.

Tulsi Plant Care

It is important to pinch tops of Tulasi plant when they are forming four or six pairs of leaves, this will make the plant grow bushier. Even the flower buds need to be removed when they appear. It grows more lush and full when seed production is prevented.
It is also important to remove the faded, wilted or discolored leaves to encourage the growth of new foliage. Regular removal of old leaves and flower buds keep the plant healthy.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced liquid fertilizer once in every couple of weeks. Replacing top two inch layer of soil with compost every year or in six months is also beneficial.

Pruning

Prune Tulsi as needed throughout the year to control its size and promote bushier and more compact growth. Remove no more than half of the growth of stem while pruning.

Overwintering

Move Tulsi plant indoors in the winter if you live below USDA zone 10, place the plant near a bright sunny window, where the temperature is kept above 50 F (10 C). Move the plant again outside after all the dangers of frost are passed.

Pests and Diseases

It is generally pests and diseases free. However, when grown in poor conditions it might be attacked by some common pests like mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites and sometimes whiteflies. For treating pests use organic pesticide or insecticidal soap.

How to Harvest Tulsi

Reap the aromatic leaves of your Tulsi plant throughout the growing season. Once your plant reaches 12 inches in height, take a pair of scissors and depending on your needs, cut large single leaf or cut whole branch.

Use fresh leaves on the same day you harvest because they fade quickly.
Store your Tulsi harvest for future use by drying out the leaves. Collect branches in a basket and place them on a dry place away from sunlight and toss the stem 2-3 times every day until leaves becomes crispy and collapses when you crush.

Tulsi (Holy basil) Benefits

Tulsi has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immune-stimulating and adaptogenic (stress removal) properties. It supports body’s natural defenses against germs, stress and disorders of various kinds.