Firm the soil over the seeds. Thinning is not necessary, but a final spacing of 4-8″ apart produces healthy, full plants. Note: Holy Basil requires some light for germination, so sow more shallowly than other basils.
How much space does holy basil need to grow?
When sowing the seeds, be sure to sow sparingly as the plants can’t be closer than two feet in distance. Cover the seeds lightly with soil to make sure they receive sunlight for germination.
How fast does holy basil grow?
Tulsi plants should be ready for harvest about 40 days after germination and do best with sparse periodic harvests. If harvested gently, by single leaves or branches, a tulsi plant can continue to produce for several years.
Does holy basil need full sun?
Use a light, well-draining soil that is enriched with organic material, although holy basil will tolerate poor soil fairly well. Your plant will also tolerate some shade, so full sun is not necessary.
How close can you plant basil together?
Plant basil 2 weeks after the last spring frost. This flavorful herb is perfect for raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space basil according to label recommendations, usually 12 to 18 inches apart. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Is holy basil invasive?
Tulsi or Holy basil – Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a species of basil native to India. It is invasive in Puerto Rico, and can sometimes reproduce in gardens in the continental U.S., although it has not yet become naturalized there.
What grows well with holy basil?
Holy basil grows best in a sunny location and prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained loamy or sandy soil. Paired with cilantro, dill, oregano, sage or thyme, the foliage, fragrance and flowers of holy basil are a welcome addition to home herb gardens.
How often do you water holy basil?
Water regularly
Basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist.
Should you let holy basil flower?
If you are cultivating basil strictly for its leaves, it is best to remove the flowers. Pinching basil blooms back will allow all of the plant’s energy to stay focused on foliage production, creating a bushier plant with more leaves and maintaining higher levels of essential oils in the leaves.
How long does holy basil live?
Tulsi’s life expectancy is around 1.5 years. Summer is the best time to grow this perennial plant because it loves sunlight and needs 6-8 hours of it for proper growth. Unpleasant conditions in winter not suited for the plant’s health are the major causes of its death. So how can one revive a dying Tulsi?
Is sacred basil The same as holy basil?
Sacred basil or holy basil is native to India and is valued greatly for its medicinal properties and spiritual significance in Ayurvedic medicine and among people who worship the Hindu deities Lakshmi and Vishnu. The Sanskrit name for sacred basil is tulsi or tulasi.
Where should Tulsi plant be placed?
According to the principle of vastu for tulsi plant at home, this plant should be kept in the north, north-east and east direction.
What should not be planted near basil?
Plants to Avoid Growing With Basil
- Cucumbers. Cucumbers are a bad basil plant companion because the two plants compete for resources, such as water and nutrients.
- Fennel. Fennel is another plant that you should avoid growing with your basil.
- Thyme.
- Common Rue.
- Sage.
Does basil need deep soil?
Planting Basil
(15 C.), and may be damaged below 50 F. (10 C.). Dig or till the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.), then work in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure before planting, along with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
Can basil get too much sun?
Basil can get too much sun and if it does, it can develop leaf burn. But do not grow basil in the shade. For basil to take off, the soil and air need to be fairly warm, so don’t rush putting out your plants in the spring.
How long should holy basil steep?
Use about ½ to 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per cup of water. Bring water to a boil. Steep the leaves covered for at least 5 minutes. The longer you brew them, the stronger the flavor you will get.
Is holy basil the same as scent leaf?
Ocimum gratissimum is popularly known as scent leaf; it is known as efinrin in Yoruba, nchanwu in Igbo and daidoya in Hausa. The best known species are the strongly aromatic herb, Ocimum basilicum (Thai basil) as well as the medicinal herb Ocimum tenuiflorum also known as Ocimum sanctum (holy basil or tulsi in Hindi).
Should you dry holy basil?
Holy basil, known as tulsi in India (Ocimum tenuiflorum, USDA hardiness zones 10-12), has a warm pungent aroma with a mildly spicy scent. This sweet, unique fragrant herb does not keep long after it is picked so you need to dry or freeze your basil harvest so it can be used in the middle of winter.
Is it easy to grow holy basil?
Growing holy basil is an easy endeavor, regardless if you grow it from seed, cuttings, or transplant seedlings.
Can I plant lavender and basil together?
With the ability to repel aphids and other garden pests, basil makes a wonderful companion herb for lavender. Keep in mind, though, that basil likes the soil a bit wetter than lavender.
What herbs should you not plant next to each other?
Watch out for these pairings to avoid.
- Keep fennel and wormwood isolated from other plants.
- Rue should be kept away from sage, basil, and cabbages.
- Anise and dill should not be planted near carrots.
- Keep dill clear of tomatoes.
- Sage makes a bad bedfellow with cucumber and onion.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.