Holy Basil: Clove-Scented Tulsi for Tea and Summer Pollinators
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Holy basil, also called tulsi, is a fast-growing relative of kitchen basil with soft, hairy leaves that often carry a purple cast. Crush a leaf and you get spicy clove with notes of mint and basil. Slender spikes of small pink, purple or white flowers appear from early summer and keep coming until frost.
It has a long history in Hindu tradition, and in the garden it is simply a lovely, fragrant plant for a tea patch.
Holy basil at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Ocimum tenuiflorum (also listed as Ocimum sanctum) |
| Leaves | Green, often purple-tinged, soft and hairy |
| Flowers | Small pink, purple or white tubular flowers on slender spikes |
| Size | 12 to 36 inches tall, 12 to 24 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts late June, peaks early August, until frost |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 10a to 11b; grown as an annual in zone 5-6 |
| Water | Moderate |
| Fragrance | Spicy clove with mint and basil notes |
Growing it near lavender
Holy basil thrives in summer heat, just like lavender, but it prefers more regular water. Give it the sunny edge of a tea garden, a raised bed or a big container on the patio near your lavender, rather than planting it among lavender crowns.
The two make a fragrant, purple-toned pair. Holy basil's purple-tinged leaves and flower spikes echo lavender's color, and both are busy with bees through July and August. Because holy basil keeps flowering until frost, it carries pollinator activity long after the lavender has been cut. Plan a tea corner in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Timing: plant after the danger of frost has passed and the weather has warmed. Growth stalls in cool weather. The Frost Date Estimator helps you time it.
- Light and water: full sun and moderate moisture. It does poorly in waterlogged soil.
- Pinching: pinch tips early to make a bushier plant with more leaves.
- Humidity: it handles humid summers well and is reported to be one of the few basils rarely bothered by basil downy mildew.
- Self-sowing: remove seed heads if you do not want volunteers next year.
Harvesting for tea and the kitchen
Pick leaves and tender tips regularly through the season. Steep them fresh, or dry them in a shaded, airy spot and store in a sealed jar for winter tea. The leaves have a spicy bite that also works in Asian cooking. A few dried lavender buds and holy basil leaves together make a fragrant tea blend.
Sizes offered
Holy basil comes as 3-inch plugs, 4-inch pots and 1-gallon pots. See the product page for current sizes and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is holy basil the same as sweet basil?
No. It is a different species with a clove-like scent. Sweet basil is the classic pesto basil.
Can I keep it over winter?
Not outdoors in Michigan. It does not survive frost, so it is grown as an annual here.
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