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Holy Basil 'Temperate Tulsi' (Ocimum africanum)
34,00 NOK
Unit price perExpected delivery date: 19 January to 26 January.
Applies to orders within Sweden. For other countries - see our delivery terms .
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34,00 NOK
Unit price per SEEDS (50pcs/bag)
Common names : Holy basil, Kapoor, Rama Tulsi, Holy Basil
Scientific name : Ocimum africanum
Family : Lamiaceae
Plant history & use :
'Temperate Tulsi' - the name speaks for itself. This is a hardier variety of Holy Basil ( O. tenuiflorum ), a completely different species to be exact. It is better suited to growing in our climate as it is more used to lower temperatures and also resistant to frost. The herb grows faster than its cousin O. tenuiflorum but the life cycle is also shorter - harvesting can be done after just 40 days. Originates from East Africa.
It is described as being more productive in our climate and having better germination than O. tenuiflorum .
'Temperate Tulsi' has a flavor described as "tutti frutti", or "bubble gum". Notes of vanilla and myrrh are also common. Most widely used for making tea due to its distinct aroma and healthy nutritional profile. It is also used in cooking.
Holy basil is often confused with Thai basil ( Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora ) - which is a different species.
As one of the most widely used ancient medicinal plants, Holy Basil has been used to treat common colds, headaches, and various stress disorders, among other things. The stem, leaves, and seeds are used for these purposes.
In traditional societies, the herb is also used as a natural mosquito repellent, by applying the aroma from the plant to the skin.
The abundantly blooming purple inflorescences are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Cultivation :
Abundant flowering. 'Temperate Tulsi' is an annual and is lower and has a more bushy growth habit than O. tenuiflorum . Self-seeds more efficiently than other basil varieties.
Use a well-drained, humus-rich soil and place in partial shade or full sun, it will do well in both. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings will increase the plant's aroma production (= more flavor) - this is a result of the plant's response to stress.
Grow in a pot or flower bed as a low-growing herb. If you grow it outdoors and want to let it grow there year after year, you can let it flower and set seed - it will most likely self-sow and germinate next year.
If you want the plant to focus more on foliage growth, you can cut off inflorescences before they have time to develop.
Basil is easy to take cuttings from, make a diagonal cut with a clean tool just below a leaf. The cutting should be around 15 cm. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and place in a glass of water that you change regularly. Plant in soil when roots have developed.
Sowing :
Higher germination in our climate than O. tenuiflorum .
Place the seeds on a moist layer of soil. Press the seeds lightly into the soil for good contact. Keep the seeds moist. One way to maintain good moisture is to cover the seeds with plastic with air holes.
Features :
Year: One year
Growing position: sun/partial shade
Height: 40 cm
Germination time: 5-15 days
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