HERB ‘Holy Basil Tulsi’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
- Also known as Sacred Basil, Green Thai Holy Basil, or Kapoor Tulsi.
- Clove-scented herb with deep spiritual and medicinal significance.
- Essential in Thai dishes like Pad Krapao; also used in herbal teas.
- Highly aromatic leaves with soft green stems and pinkish-purple flowers.
- Attracts bees and beneficial insects—great for permaculture gardens.
Product Description
Thai Holy Basil Green, often referred to as Tulsi, is a sacred plant known for its unique aroma, spiritual importance, and wide-ranging culinary and medicinal uses. With a sweet, spicy clove scent, this basil variety is commonly grown for herbal teas, stir-fries, and as a healing garden herb.
Plants grow to around 30–60 cm tall and form a bushy, branching shape. The green leaves are slightly fuzzy, and brushing the plant releases its signature perfume. It thrives in hot weather, making it ideal for sunny garden beds or containers in warm regions. Holy Basil is well-loved for its beauty, pollinator appeal, and its rich flavour profile in traditional dishes.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Warm-season annual herb
- Plant Height: 30–60 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days at 18–25°C
- Depth: Sow 0.5 cm deep
- Position: Full sun with consistent moisture
- Sow Where: Direct into garden beds or containers
- Soil Type: Fertile, free-draining soil with pH 6.0–7.5
- Spacing: 30 cm between plants
Growing Tips
- Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging.
- Pinch out tips to promote bushy growth.
- Grow in containers for easy relocation if weather cools.
- Harvest regularly to prolong leaf production and delay flowering.
Harvest
Harvest fresh leaves from around 60–70 days after sowing. Continuous picking encourages vigorous growth and a longer harvest window.
When to Sow Holy Basil Tulsi in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | September – January | Sow direct after last frost or start in trays from August. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | October – December | Best results when started in trays and transplanted after frost. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | October – December | Start indoors from September and transplant once warm enough. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | November – January | Grow in pots for best control and bring indoors on cold nights. |
How to Grow Holy Basil as Microgreens
- No pre-soaking needed.
- Use approx. 10 g of seed per 30 x 35 cm tray.
- Fill tray with 2–3 cm of moist potting mix or coco coir.
- Scatter seeds evenly and mist to moisten the surface.
- Cover with blackout dome or tray lid for 4–6 days in a cool spot.
- After germination, move to bright indirect sunlight.
- Keep soil evenly moist with misting twice daily.
Harvest (Microgreens): Ready in 20–25 days. Cut just above the soil using clean scissors. Use fresh in salads or as a tea herb.
