Tulsi 'Krishna' (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
If you are looking to turn over a new leaf and make self-nurture your nature, meet Krishna Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum. This is one type of Holy Basil, a highly aromatic perennial ayurvedic medicinal herb, which is praised by practitioners in Ayurvedic medicine. An Indian derivative of holistic medicine, Ayurvedic practices incorporate biodiverse plants, exercise, and good diet for the makings of a healthy lifestyle.
Like most basils, Ocimum tenuiflorum has a shrubby growing habit and will reach 2-4 ft tall! Tulsi has delicate pink flowers, hairy stems, and green leaves. Within the first two months of growing Krishna Tulsi, you can pick leaves and flowers fresh from Ocimum tenuiflorum to make your own "elixir of life" tea. Its cool and mellow flavor profile will invigorate your senses as you indulge in its bold familiarity to peppermint, cloves, licorice and lemon. In fact, occasional harvesting of this plant will encourage its growth even more.
Holy Basil, The Miracle Worker in Your Garden: Ocimum tenuiflorum has a number of practical uses, and makes an excellent companion plant! Its strong aromatic oils like Eugenol, Oleanolic Acid, Ursolic Acid, Rosmarinic Acid, and Linalool make the plant medicinally valuable, and act as a natural pest repellent.
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
