Temperate Tulsi Holy Basil

Ocimum africanum

Tulsi Holy Basil is held as a most honored and sacred panacea in the Ayurvedic system of medicine both for internal use and for its healing presence. It is regarding as the physical manifestation of the Earth Mother and is given as an offering in daily pooja (devotional ceremony) and it has a place at religious and spiritual events pertaining to life transitions. Wherever it grows, it brings uplifting energy, positivity and wellbeing to the environs and all who dwell there.

Tulsi is classified as an adaptogen which helps the body not only handle stress, but promotes rejuvenation and healing from the damages of stress. Tulsi is used to promote mental clarity in physical and subtle levels, healthy circulation and lung health.

Our Temperate Tulsi is a cooler weather strain. While the origin and even the taxonomic classification of this strain is currently at a point for debate, we do know that this sacred basil grows phenomenally well in our short season. Quick to get started and virtually impossible to keep up with its generous offerings of sweet and fruity leaves throughout the season! Matures rapidly into an outstanding two foot tall multi-branched bush with lovely purple flowers. We found it to be the bee hotspot of the garden! As you harvest leaves, gently dry down out of direct sunlight and store in airtight containers to enjoy the healing properties of Tulsi all winter long!

Plant as an annual. May even self sow if planted early enough!

Medicinal uses of Ocimum africanum listed are for informational purposes and not mean as replacement for medical assessment and care by a qualified practitioner such as an herbalist or naturopathic physician.

Sowing/Planting Instruction:

We recommend sowing indoors four weeks before last frost and transplant after last frost. However you can successfully direct sow Tulsi after the last frost has passed.

Space plants 12 inches apart.

Space rows 15 inches apart.

Moderate soil fertility. Add a good compost at time of planting. We recommend preparing the bed with a legume cover crop to add nitrogen.

Harvest Instructions:

Harvest leaf by leaf, pinching flowering tops to promote new branchlets. When frost threatens, harvest all that you can by cutting back plants, with reverence. Hang bundles or lay leaves on screens in a warm dry place, out of direct sunlight. Store tea leaves in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for a stabilizing and revitalizing infusion all year long.