Holy Basil

Scientific Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum

Also Known As

Ocimum sanctum
Sacred Basil

Plant type

perennial, herb, annual / biennial

size

H: 12"-24"
W: 10"-18"

planting zones

10a-12

More Options

Holy Basil plant details

Holy Basil is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen annual / biennial or perennial herb with green and purple foliage. In fall and summer lavender and purple flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Holy Basil

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen green and purple
Mature size: 10 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: container plant, culinary, edible, fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Holy Basil

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

In Hindu mythology, sacred basil is an incarnation of the goddess Tulsi, offering divine protection. Important in Ayurvedic medicine, used for colds and flu and a powerful adaptogen for counteracting stress. It is a beautiful mounded plant with narrow light green leaves and small lavender flowers blooming on small spikes that attract bees. A wonderful soothing tea is made from the leaves, fresh or dry.

By: Select Seeds

An annual herb with a clove fragrance, purple flowers and is used in tomato, spaghetti, stews, fish, vinegars, salads.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

Visitors to India usually come back with memories of “Tulsi”, the sacred Basil used to adorn the Hindu temples. They may also come back with a liking of the flavor, rich & spicy with a touch of mint & cloves. Perennial in tropical climates, it is an annual in temperate gardens. Tulsi grows 1-2’ tall & wide with glossy green or purple leaves & dark stems, with white or mauve flowers. Plant it in good garden soil & water evenly. While mostly famous for its “heal-all-that-ails-you” reputation in traditional Indian medicine, you can also use the leaves in teas & cooking. Leaves, flowers, fruits, root, branches and the main stem and everything about tulsi is sacred; even the soil under the tulsi plant is holy." --excerpt from the Padmapurana, an ancient 5000 yr. old healing text from India.