Tulsi 'Rama' (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi, aka Holy Basil or Queen of Herbs, is a highly aromatic perennial Ayurvedic herb native to India. It is almost effortless to grow and requires little care once established. Like most Basil's, it has a shrubby growing habit and will reach 2-4 ft tall! Tulsi has delicate pink flowers, hairy stems, and green leaves. The plant is both edible and medicinal and utilized heavily as a cooking spice in Indian cuisine and ancient Ayurvedic medicine.
Growing this healthy plant in your home or garden is a great opportunity to pick your own fresh leaves and flowers, so you too can make your own "elixir of life" tea. Tulsi's flavor is cooling and mellow, and bearing scents of peppermint, cloves, licorice and lemon. Holy Basil works wonders for you in your garden as an excellent companion plant! It's strong aromatic oils including Eugenol, Oleanoic Acid, Ursolic Acid, Rosmarinic Acid, and Linalool help make it a natural pest repellent. These constituents within the plant also contribute to the plant's traditional known medicinal effects.
Plant Type:
Perennial Herb
Harvest Season:
Year-Round for Krishna, Vana, and Rama varieties
Occasional harvesting of this plant will encourage growth.
Mature Size:
2-5 ft. tall and wide
Soil & Moisture:
Rich, moist, well-draining soil high in organic matter
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Growth Rate:
Medium
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Grown from seed, capable of harvest now and within growing season
