Starting Holy Basil (Tulsi) From Seed

Young Holy Basil Plant

I simply cannot resist the spicy scent of clove, lemon, & cinnamon when walking past my holy basil (aka Tulsi). Known as the Queen of Herbs in India, Tulsi is considered to be sacred & is grown outside India's holy sanctuaries. Holy basil is traditionally used in ceremonies, in food, & for tea. When made as a tea Tulsi is said to have many health benefits such as helping the body combat stress . Tulsi tea has a calming effect for overall well being. I like to combine Tulsi with raspberry leaf. The combination makes a refreshing iced tea that is also beneficial to woman's health.

Holy Basil is a pick & come again herb which produces well when heavily picked. Grows best in well drained rich soil. Sensitive to frost. Let your basil go to seed, it will easily self sow or you can save the seed to plant in a new location.

Basil Culture: 70-75°F.
Direct Sow: After all danger of frost, or start indoors 4 weeks before last frost.
Indoors: Spacing: 1/2". Thin: 2” Transplant: 3 - 4 weeks.
Size: 18"
Hardiness: Annual
Sun: Full - Part Shade
Water: Moderate
Seed Spacing: 3 to 4 seeds per 12”
Seed Planting Depth: Lightly cover seed (Approx. 1/4").
Row Spacing: 12"
Days to Germination: 5 - 14
Thin: To one plant when plants have 4 leaves.
Harvest: Approx. 10 weeks after sowing.

I love the stunning color variety of these plants when they start to go to seed.

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