Holy Basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum)
Herbs & Spices Difficulty: Easy
📖 About this plant
Sacred aromatic perennial herb central to Hindu tradition and Ayurvedic medicine. Spicy, peppery leaves with hints of clove and lemon; used in Tulsi tea and religious ceremonies.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
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Light
Full sun (6-8 hrs)
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Water
Every 2-3 days
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Humidity
Moderate to high (50-70%)
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Temperature
20-35°C
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Soil
Well-draining, fertile loam (pH 6.0-7.5); moderately drought-tolerant
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Fertilizer
Light balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks; compost at planting
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
- 📏 Max height
- 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
- 📐 Spread
- 30-45 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Summer - Fall
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White, Purple
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green, Purple
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Annual
- 📈 Growth rate
- Fast
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic to humans; used as a medicinal and culinary herb in Ayurveda. Mild toxicity to pets in large quantities.
- 🌱 Propagation
- Seed (surface sow, needs light to germinate); softwood cuttings
🛡️ Health & Safety
🐾 Pet safe
✅ Non-toxic
Non-toxic to humans; used as a medicinal and culinary herb in Ayurveda. Mild toxicity to pets in large quantities.
Common issues
- Fusarium wilt, Downy mildew, Root rot from overwatering, Aphids and whitefly
💡 Care tips
- Also known as Tulsi and revered in Ayurvedic medicine,Spicy clove-like flavor differs from sweet basil,Pinch flower buds regularly to extend leaf production,Prefers warm weather and will not tolerate frost
🪴 Add to My Plants
One click — added instantly. Watering every 3 days, fertilizing every 35 days.
