Holy Basilica / Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
35 SEK
Unit price perEstimated delivery to you: 06 February to 13 February.
SEEDS (100 pcs/bag)
Common names: Sacred basil, Tulsi, Tulasi, Kaprao, Holy Basil, Hot Basil
Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorum / Ocimum sanctum
Family: Mint family
Plant history & use:
Sacred basil is more spicy and peppery than the closely related "sweet" basil (Ocimum basilicum) we usually eat in the North. It is also one of the few basil types that can grow into small trees.
Sacred basil is often confused with Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) - which is a different species. Because of this confusion and the rarer occurrence of Sacred basil, Thai basil is sometimes mistakenly used in cooking where Sacred basil is actually the correct ingredient. An example of such use can be found in the Thai dish Pad Kaprao, which is named after the Sacred basil’s Thai name kaprao. The difference between these two basils is that Thai basil is sweeter and more licorice-like while Sacred basil is spicier and more peppery, hence the name Hot Basil sometimes used as a designation.
Besides cooking, the plant’s leaves and flowers are also used to make calming tea.
As one of the most applied ancient medicinal plants, Sacred basil has been used to treat, among other things, common colds, headaches, and various stress disorders. For these purposes, the stem, leaves, and seeds are used.
In traditional communities, the herb is also used as a natural mosquito repellent by applying the plant’s aroma to the skin.
Similarly, dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects for hundreds of years.
Cultivation:
Use well-drained, humus-rich soil and place in partial shade or full sun; it tolerates both. Thrives in moist soil but not wet. If you let the soil dry out between waterings, it will increase the plant’s aroma production (= more flavor) – this is a result of the plant’s response to stress.
Plant in a pot with plenty of room for the roots to give the plant a chance to grow into a small tree. Bring the pot indoors before winter as the plant does not thrive at temperatures below 15°C. If the plant is slowly led into a winter rest, it can survive temperatures down to -1°C, but this slows growth.
If you want the plant to focus more on leaf growth, you can cut off flower clusters before they develop.
Basil is easy to take cuttings from; make a diagonal cut with a clean tool just below a leaf. The cutting should be about 15 cm. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and place it in a glass of water that you change regularly. Plant in soil when roots have developed.
Sowing:
Place the seeds on a moist layer of soil. Press the seeds lightly into the soil for good contact. Keep the sowing moist. One way to maintain good moisture is to cover the sowing with plastic with air holes.
Characteristics:
Lifespan: Perennial
Light: sun/partial shade
Height: 30-150 cm
Germination time: 5-15 days
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Holy Basilica / Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
35 SEK
Unit price perOrders received before Sunday morning are packed Sunday to Monday.
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SEEDS (100 pcs/bag)
Common names: Sacred basil, Tulsi, Tulasi, Kaprao, Holy Basil, Hot Basil
Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorum / Ocimum sanctum
Family: Mint family
Plant history & use:
Sacred basil is more spicy and peppery than the closely related "sweet" basil (Ocimum basilicum) we usually eat in the North. It is also one of the few basil types that can grow into small trees.
Sacred basil is often confused with Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) - which is a different species. Because of this confusion and the rarer occurrence of Sacred basil, Thai basil is sometimes mistakenly used in cooking where Sacred basil is actually the correct ingredient. An example of such use can be found in the Thai dish Pad Kaprao, which is named after the Sacred basil’s Thai name kaprao. The difference between these two basils is that Thai basil is sweeter and more licorice-like while Sacred basil is spicier and more peppery, hence the name Hot Basil sometimes used as a designation.
Besides cooking, the plant’s leaves and flowers are also used to make calming tea.
As one of the most applied ancient medicinal plants, Sacred basil has been used to treat, among other things, common colds, headaches, and various stress disorders. For these purposes, the stem, leaves, and seeds are used.
In traditional communities, the herb is also used as a natural mosquito repellent by applying the plant’s aroma to the skin.
Similarly, dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects for hundreds of years.
Cultivation:
Use well-drained, humus-rich soil and place in partial shade or full sun; it tolerates both. Thrives in moist soil but not wet. If you let the soil dry out between waterings, it will increase the plant’s aroma production (= more flavor) – this is a result of the plant’s response to stress.
Plant in a pot with plenty of room for the roots to give the plant a chance to grow into a small tree. Bring the pot indoors before winter as the plant does not thrive at temperatures below 15°C. If the plant is slowly led into a winter rest, it can survive temperatures down to -1°C, but this slows growth.
If you want the plant to focus more on leaf growth, you can cut off flower clusters before they develop.
Basil is easy to take cuttings from; make a diagonal cut with a clean tool just below a leaf. The cutting should be about 15 cm. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and place it in a glass of water that you change regularly. Plant in soil when roots have developed.
Sowing:
Place the seeds on a moist layer of soil. Press the seeds lightly into the soil for good contact. Keep the sowing moist. One way to maintain good moisture is to cover the sowing with plastic with air holes.
Characteristics:
Lifespan: Perennial
Light: sun/partial shade
Height: 30-150 cm
Germination time: 5-15 days
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