Tulsi - Description
Scientific Name: Tulsi (Holy Basil) - Ocimum africanum
Family: Mint (Lamiaceae)
Grown in Williams, Oregon
This plant is an annual tea basil originating from East Africa, known as the Temperate Tulsi. It boasts small leaves, purple flowers, and a potent aroma. Compared to other basil varieties like Ocimum basilicum, it has the shortest growing season and is the most frost-resistant. Interestingly, it has shown self-seeding tendencies over multiple seasons, which is uncommon among basil plants. Through testing, we have confirmed the presence of essential oils such as linalool, nerol, geraniol, citral, icocaryophyllene, and humulene, and genetic analysis has identified it as Ocimum africanum. According to Ayurveda tradition, it's utilized for various health benefits including stress relief, anxiety reduction, heart health, arthritis alleviation, diabetes management, and dementia prevention. Starting your day with a cup of tulsi tea is highly recommended. To grow it, simply prepare a flat of potting soil or a fine seedbed in spring, scatter the seeds on the surface, gently press them in, and maintain even moisture and warmth until rapid germination occurs. Then, transplant or thin the seedlings to about one foot apart. If you're considering growing your own tulsi tea, especially if you're not in a very warm zone or lack extensive propagation experience, opting for this temperate variety is advisable due to its easier germination, faster growth, higher productivity, and overall more rewarding cultivation experience compared to tropical types like Krishna, Amrita, Rama, and Vana.
- Seeds Per Pack: 50 Organically Certified Seeds
- Annual Hardiness: Annual or Overwintering Annual
- Approximately 70 Days to Maturity Depending on Conditions
- Full Sun Preferred
- Soil: Regular to rich, well-drained soil
- Season: Summer to Fall
- Color: Blue and Purple