🌿 How to Grow Tulsi (Holy Basil) from Seeds
Common Names:

• Hindi: तुलसी

• Tamil: துளசி

• Telugu: తులసి

• Malayalam: തുളസി

• Kannada: ತುಳಸಿ

• English: Holy Basil / Sacred Basil

• Botanical name: Ocimum tenuiflorum (also Ocimum sanctum)

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season perennial herb (grown as annual in colder areas)

• Best time to sow:

  • February to June in India

  • Start indoors in colder climates, transplant after frost

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 35°C

• Sensitive to frost and extreme cold

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Light, well-draining loamy soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Add compost or cow dung manure to enrich the soil

• Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Surface sow or press lightly (⅛ inch deep)

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 10–12 inches between plants, 12 inches between rows

  • Containers: Use 8–10 inch deep pots, sow 4–6 seeds per pot

• Do not cover seeds deeply — they need light to germinate

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist until germination

• After sprouting, water 2–3 times per week, or when topsoil is dry

• Avoid overwatering — Tulsi prefers slightly dry conditions once mature

• Water at the base of the plant

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 7–14 days

• Needs warmth and filtered light for best results

• Thin seedlings after 2–3 weeks, keeping the healthiest

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Grows best in warm, sunny, and dry climates

• Can tolerate partial shade, but growth slows

7. Fertilization

• Use compost or vermicompost every 3–4 weeks

• Avoid heavy chemical fertilizers — keep it organic

• Tulsi thrives in moderately fertile soil without much extra feeding

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites

• Spray neem oil + mild soap every 10–15 days if needed

• Ensure good airflow, remove dead leaves to prevent fungus

9. Harvesting

• Ready for harvest in 45–60 days

• Pinch top leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth

• Best harvested in the morning for maximum aroma and potency

• Avoid harvesting more than ⅓ of the plant at a time

10. Regrow Tip

• Regrows well from cuttings and base stems

• Self-seeds easily — allow a few flowers to mature and dry for next season

• Trim flowers to extend leaf production if seed collection isn’t needed

• Can live multiple years in warm climates (perennial)

🥗 Health Benefits of Tulsi (Holy Basil)

• Strengthens immunity and respiratory health

• Reduces stress and supports mental clarity (adaptogen)

• Antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory

• Aids digestion and detoxification

• Sacred in Ayurveda and used in herbal teas & rituals