Learn how to grow tulsi and the benefits of this super herb, also known as tulsi. Hint: it’s really easy!
Image Source Anand Kumar Pathak from focus on
How to Grow Tulsi: Superpower Salad Herbs
A few years ago, I joined a community garden and planted a 4 foot by 8 foot lot. A friend has a local nursery, so I picked up some plants to start with and used seeds for the rest. One of the plants I purchased was a goji bush.
plant everything
Honestly, I’m not the best community gardener. I have a hard time incorporating regular garden visits into my weekly schedule.
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Weeks after I had everything planted, I noticed another plant growing like crazy next to me wolfberry bush. I tried cutting it off so the goji berries would have room to grow.
the leaves taste like spicy Mint The taste is very good.
Acquisition (aka Tulsi Planting is very easy!)
Over time, this crazy plant actually takes over and smothers goji bushes.
Every time I go to my turf, I cut it. It has been booming. Then it starts to bloom. It has small white-purple flowers on its long stems. I brought home some flowers so I could study and identify plants.
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it was Holy Basil or Tulsi (fine flower basil).
When I harvested my garden plot, I decided to bring the Tulsi home to see if it would grow. It lasts for a while and has lots of flowers. Then it totally dies, or so it seems. The tub is on my front porch, where I keep it all winter.
annual revisit
When the weather started to warm again, I saw the green leaves of Tulsi start to sprout from the soil in the tub.
good harvest
We have been harvesting Tulsi for the past 8 months. Our salad was delicious.It adds a spicy mint flavor similar to normal basil.
The Many Benefits of Tulsi
In India, people have been cultivating tulsi for its medicinal properties for over 3000 years. Holy basil is considered a sacred plant in Hinduism.
In traditional medicine, tulsi is used for:
- pressure
- Digestive problems
- Treat colds and fever
- Treat allergies and infections
- strengthen the immune system
- Treat hair and skin disorders
- dental health
- Repellent and treat mosquito bites
Tulsi is very important in Ayurveda and naturopathy because this plant is rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, essential oils, and vitamins A and C, which are known to help manage diabetes and high blood pressure. If you use some tulsi leaves regularly, it will help your body function properly.
It is known to have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.it is considered to be adaptogen (a substance that helps the body adapt and function optimally).
In addition to adding it to salads, the leaves are easy to make into tea.
add it to your garden
Tulsi has more than 100 varieties. Consider adding tulsi plants if you have a warm, sunny spot on your garden or porch or windowsill. It’s perfect for use in container gardens with other sun-loving herbs. It is easy to grow and requires very little care.
Sow seeds outdoors in late spring or early summer, when the temperature in your area is about 70°F. If you want to start early, sow the seeds indoors in a sunny window.
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Place the tulsi seeds on the soil, pressing down lightly to make contact with the soil. Spray the seeds with water or compost tea. Keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout in about 1 to 2 weeks.
For bushier plants, pinch the top of the tulsi plant when there are 4 to 6 pairs of leaves.
Harvest Tulsi
Harvest tulsi leaves throughout the growing season. As the plant gets larger, use a pair of scissors to cut off larger leaves or cut off the entire branch.
Use fresh leaves the same day or they will fade. Alternatively, dry the leaves by collecting branches and placing them in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Move the stems about 3 times a day until the leaves are brittle and easily crushed.
doing what you think?
Do you grow tulsi in your garden? How do you use it? Let us know in the comments below!
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This is an updated version of an article originally published on August 2, 2017. Authors may not be able to respond to comments at this time, but we encourage our community members to get involved by sharing their experiences and answering questions!
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Karen the Newbie Homesteader is a novice gardener, home farmer and permaculture. She and her husband recently purchased 4 acres in central Florida to build their home and grow their own food. She will share their adventures: success, failure and everything in between on The Grow Network.
