Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) is a popular herbal plant that is native to tropical regions of Asia and Australia. Holy Basil is not only an aromatic insect-repellent, it is also used medicinally as a herbal tea and essential oil, as a significant part of some worship rituals and the seeds can be used in beverages.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates but is often grown in containers in colder climates.
Ocimum tenuiflorum is also commonly called Tulsi, Tulasi, Krishna Tulsi, Rama Tulsi, Brush-Leaf Tea and Thai Basil.
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Growth
Holy Basil is a tropical annual herb that grows to a maximum height of 60cm (24 inches) by a width of 30cm (12 inches). They enjoy full sun, warm climates and do well growing in containers. Holy Basil is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, chilli, dill, parsley and asparagus. Basil works to repel unwanted insects such as mosquitos, beetles, hornworms and thrips.
Usually grown as an annual, Holy Basil can be grown in temperate regions if they are protected from any late frosts and avoid temperatures that drop below 10°C / 86°F. In greenhouses or tropical areas, the plant can grow as a perennial.
If kept in full sun, with regular moisture it can take around 100-120 days for the leaves to reach a harvestable age.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10-30°C / 50-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 30cm (12 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual. Perennial in tropical climates.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
100-120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days at temperatures between 18-25°C / 65-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM (Holy Basil)
Holy Basil is a symbolic plant for many Hindus where it is worshipped as the avatar of Lakshmi. It is often grown in courtyards, houses and temples and worn around the neck by some cultures.
For centuries, the dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
The leaves are used in herbal teas, tinctures or essential oils and treat medical ailments such as fever, spasms, bacterial infections, inflammation, colds, influenza, headaches and arthritis.
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