Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

A small, shrubby plant growing to 1-2 feet. There are few different varieties of Holy Basil, with the two most common being the green leafed and the purple leafed types. There is also a rarer green and purple leafed type as well as Thai Holy Basil (not to be confused with the various Thai Basil's), a strain used in Thai cuisine. The leaves of holy basil are strongly aromatic and have a smell reminiscent of camphor-basil.

Hardiness

Not freeze hardy.

Growing Environment

Can be grown pretty much anywhere as an annual. Makes an easy container plant. Grow in full or filtered sun. Water moderately. Plant in well-drained soil.

Propagation

Commonly by seeds, which need well-drained, moist, warm soil for germination.

Uses

Most commonly grown as a sacred herb in Hinduism. The plant is commonly found in homes, temples, and is used in a number of religious ceremonies. The leaves are strongly scented and contain high amounts of the potent eugenol, leading the plant to extensive use in teas and particularly in traditional medicine. Holy Basil, or more commonly Tulsi, is an important herb of Ayurvedic medicine and is used to treat an array of conditions.

Native Range

Native throughout the tropical regions of Asia, including India.

Additional Pictures

Related Species

Lamiaceae
	Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal		Ocimum basilicum Cinnamon Basil
	Ocimum tenuiflorum Holy Basil		Prunella vulgaris Self-Heal
	Salvia sclarea Clary Sage