Tulsi holy basil does especially well in rich, moist soil with partial to full sun. Leaves from Ocimum sp are most often used fresh or dried for making teas, tinctures, or in capsules and food.
A member of the Lamiaceae family, holy basil is incredibly fragrant and looks similar to mint in appearance. Leaves range in color from shades of green to purple. Ocimum sp blooms in the spring and summer and will continue to bloom throughout the growing season. It is recommended that budding flowers are pinched off to encourage continued leaf growth. Mature tulsi basil grows up to two feet and leaves can be harvested once a plant has reached at least a foot in height.
Tulsi holy basil can be grown from cuttings or seed. Seeds should be started at least 12 weeks before the last frost date and can be kept indoors in a sunny area. Young plants can be moved outdoors as soon as temperatures reach 60 degrees.
