Basil 'Holy'

Scientific Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum

Common Name: Holy Basil, Tulsi

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Height: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Width: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Spacing: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)

Attracts: Bees and other pollinators

Flavour: Aromatic with notes of clove, pepper, and a hint of mint

Use: Culinary applications such as herbal teas, soups, and sauces; traditional medicinal uses; also revered in religious practices

Plant Habit: Upright, bushy

Harvest: Begin harvesting leaves once the plant reaches about 6 inches (15 cm) in height; regular harvesting encourages bushier growth

Companion Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, oregano, and marigolds

General Information: Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family, widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. It is considered sacred in Hinduism and is often grown in home gardens and near temples. The plant thrives in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Pinching off flower buds as they appear will promote continuous leaf production and prevent the plant from bolting.