Ocimum tenuiflorum (Red Sacred Basil) is a medicinal herb that is native to tropical regions of Asia and Australia. Red Sacred Basil is a darker coloured variety of the green Holy Basil and has similar medicinal properties and growing requirements. Like all Basils, they are fast-growing annuals that attract the good insects with beautiful aromatic foliage and flowers.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Red Sacred Basil is also commonly called Tulsi, Tulasi, Krishna Tulsi, Rama Tulsi, Brush-Leaf Tea and Thai Basil.
For the green version of Holy Basil click here OR to view our full range of herbs click here.
Growth
Red Sacred 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. Red Sacred 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, Red Sacred 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.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
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 (Sacred Red Basil)
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.
