If you have a warm, sunny place in your garden or on your porch or windowsill, consider adding a tulsi plant. It is perfect in a container garden with other sun-loving herbs. It is easy-to-grow and requires very little care.
Tulsi is an Ayurved herb. It is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is considered an adaptogen, (a substance that helps the body adapt and function optimally).
It is useful in
- Digestive problems
- Treating colds and fevers
- Treating allergies & infections
- Strengthening the immune system
- Treating hair and skin disorders
- Dental health
- Repelling insects and treating insect bites
In my garden, I have grown some Tulsi plants about which I could write and say that’s all. But for in -depth presentation, I did some google search and
studied some worthwhile pages. I have
summed up their essence as follows.
The most pages can be divided in two classes.
1. American web pages which cover methods for different USDA zones. As the climate in these zones widely differ, the growing methods prescribe special care about the planting times and moving plant in and out to protect from frost and provide sunlight. The Tulsi grows as annual in cold climate with frost and therefore one has to plant every year and be wary for harvesting and preserving seeds.
2. Indian web pages which describe almost carefree methods of growing Tulsi either from seeds or with cuttings. This is possible because for Tulsi, India which is a tropical country is a natural abode. Here it grows in any soil and full sun or shade. Here it is perennial or at least self seeding. The taste and aroma are better and medically superior.
One, by- the- way observation is that the hostile climate
has not deterred American gardeners. They have devised methods to tackle
problems of extreme climate. Instead of losing hope, they have they have acted
as challengers, science oriented and methodical. They love gardening. They have developed many
types of fertilizers, soil conditioners, pest control tools for planting and
harvesting. They have documented their knowledge in great detail. There are
several University in USA, doing enormous research and publishing many
excellent books and journals. There are clubs and societies in every county
where people meet and exchange ideas and seeds and seedlings. They are equipped
with measuring PH of soil and soil analysis.
As against that in India due to favorable climate, many
types of plants grow easily. Even though we are an aggro nation, there is less
interest in gardening. There is a lack of support system and cynicism. If more
awareness and interest is developed, there would be improvement in environment,
food quality, herbal medicines and overall mental and physical health.
There is another interesting difference. It appears that Tulsi aka holy basil is very
popular amongst gardeners for different reasons. Hindus in India and
elsewhere irrespective of educational
background have sacred perception for Tulsi whereas abroad others have utilitarian considerations
like beauty and health.
After a little digression, I revert
to Tulsi planting and care. A few years back when I started gardening I decided
to include Tulsi in the starters list. Though cuttings could have been
procured, I chose to sow seeds because I wanted to have many plants on the
periphery. I raked the open soil and scattered the seeds, covered the soil and
sprinkled the water and waited for a few days. Not a single seedling came up! I
thought about the reasons but was clueless only. For Tulsi, soil is non
critical and sunlight was adequate. A few possibilities are i) Bad seeds ii)
seeds being eaten by insects or seeds moving deeper due to occasion water
feeding from hose instead of sprinkler as is recommended.
After that I had sown seeds in pots
also but without any success. Till date my attempts to plant Tulsi from seeds
are on. I shall post it as and when that happens.
Meanwhile I should tell you that I had brought
one hardy plant from severe climate area and planted in my garden where climate is temperate. I taken normal care of
watering and feeding compost once or twice. The plant grew and multiplied due to self seeding. I had
transplanted from open soil to 3 pots. All are doing well. The first plant had
lived like an annual and then withered. My attempts to save that did not
succeed. I do not harvest the plants except taking a few leaves once in a while.
At present I am attempting to grow
Tulsi from cuttings. I shall publish its
progress in future post..
That was the real story.
In here below, I have presented the Tulsi
planting methods followed in US and also the simple procedure in India.
Introduction:
Tulsi, a medicinal herb is native to
India, its spicy and refreshing fragrance and tiny colorful flowers makes this
a useful houseplant
Few houseplants can match Tulsi for
both beauty and fragrance. Tulsi, also known as holy basil or sacred
basil, is a perennial in tropical and subtropical regions like India, but it
can be grown indoors year round regardless of your climate.
If brought indoors for the winter,
tulsi will keep right on blooming and liven up any room with its sweet
fragrance.
Unlike other annual basil which
bloom and then become bitter, tulsi is known to bloom and keep blooming,
providing forage for the bees and fragrance for your garden.
Tulsi has antioxidant,
antibacterial, antiviral, immune-stimulating and adaptogen (stress removal)
properties. It supports body’s natural defenses against germs, stress and
disorders of various kinds.
In India
and tropical countries, Tulsi can be planted at any time of the year but
planting in monsoon will be easy.
For USA in USDA Zones 10-11, can be grown in the cooler zones as annual
There are more than 100 different
varieties but in India the following three types are common.
Rama Tulsi or bright tulsi
This variety has light green broader leaves and purple flowers and smells strongly of cloves. The flavor of this variety is mellower than others, but stronger scent when the leaves are crushed. The mild flavor makes it versatile as an after meal tea, and it’s used to promote healthy digestion. Rama tulsi is also known as green leaf tulsi.
Krishna
Tulsi
A purple leafed variety, krishna tulsi a rarer
variety of holy basil. It grows more slowly, and it’s thought that the
slow growth contributes to the accumulation of stronger, spicier and more
pungent flavors. The flavor is peppery and clove like, and the warm spicy
tea it produces is used to treat respiratory infections among other
things. Krishna tulsi is also known as Shyama tulsi and purple leaf
tulsi.
Vana
Tulsi
Vana Tulsi or Wild forest holy basil is the most
difficult variety to find, it grows around the foothills of the Himalayas. It
is the tastiest and beneficial in all the tulsis. It has light green upper
leaves and dark green lower leaves The flavor is more lemony, unlike the
peppery and clove flavored other varieties.
Names:
Tulsi is
known by many names in different languages.
In Indian languages: Kala Tulsi, Krishna
Tulasi, Tulsa, Manjari Parnasa, Patrapuspha, , Shyama Tulsi, Sri Tulasi, Suvasa
Tulasi and Tulsi Patra.etc
In English: Ajaka, Albahaca Santa,
Bai Gkaprow, Baranda, Basilic Indien, Basilic Sacré, Basilic Sacré Pourpre,
Basilic Saint, Brinda, Green Holy Basil, Hot Basil, Indian Basil, Kemangen, ,
Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Red Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Sacred Purple
Basil etc
Propagation
Tulsi can be propagated from seeds as well as
cuttings.
Growing Tulsi from Seed
Tulsi seeds should be started indoors 6 to 12 weeks before the last frost. Since tulsi is a tropical plant, it requires warm temperatures to germinate and should be kept in a place that’s at least 20 degrees.C If your house is particularly cool, consider using a seedling heat mat to warm soil temperatures.
Place the tulsi seeds on top of the soil and tamp them for good soil to seed contact, cover the seeds with 1/4 inch layer of compost or soil. Water the seeds with sprayer and place them where they receive part morning sun. Keep the soil constantly moist until the germination, which will take around 1-2 weeks.
The plants are very frost sensitive, and should not be moved outdoors until several weeks after the last frost date. Even then, remember to give them an acclimation period to harden off by bringing them indoors into a sheltered place at night for a week or so before permanently planting outdoors. Cold frames are also a good option.
If you’re growing tulsi indoors, be sure that the plant has ample sunlight in a south facing window for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
When the seedlings have grown two or
three sets of true leaves carefully transplant them in individual containers or
outdoors, taking care not to disturb the roots.
Growing Tulsi From Cuttings
Tulsi
also readily grows from cuttings. Use a pair of sharp garden shears and
cut a tulsi stem from an established plant. Remove all the flowers and
most the leaves. Place the cutting in a glass of water on a sunny
windowsill.
Make sure it’s kept continually warm, and
change the water every few days to avoid mold or stagnation.The cutting should
take root in a few days
Soil
Tulsi grows in any fertile soil with
good drainage, pH level around 6 to 7.5 is optimal.
Sun
Holy basil thrives in full sun but
grows in partial shade too, at least four hours of sunlight a day is required.
Watering
Water the plant when top one inch of
soil is dry. Do not water during rain. Reduce watering by the winter to
prevent diseases.
Tulsi
Plant Care
It is important to pinch tops of
Tulasi plant when they are forming four or six pairs of leaves, this will make the
plant grow bushier. Even the flower buds need to be removed when they appear.
It grows more lush and full when seed production is prevented.
It is also important to remove the
faded, wilted or discolored leaves to encourage the growth of new foliage. Regular
removal of old leaves and flower buds keep the plant healthy.
Fertilizer – Tulsi requires fertile soils
to thrive, especially if you’re regularly harvesting leaves for tea and
seasoning. Be sure to supplement with compost to ensure adequate fertility.
To the soil with an inch of rich compost every 6 months. The best
fertilizer for tulsi plants is a balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer and can be
applied every few months for indoor plants.
Pruning
Prune Tulsi as needed throughout the
year to control its size and promote bushier and more compact growth. Remove no
more than half of the growth of stem while pruning.
Overwintering
Move Tulsi plant indoors in the
winter if you live below USDA zone 10, place the plant near a bright sunny
window, where the temperature is kept above 10 C. Move the plant again outside
after all the dangers of frost are passed.
Pests and Diseases
It is generally pests and diseases
free. However, when grown in poor conditions it might be attacked by some
common pests like mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites and sometimes whiteflies.
For treating pests use organic pesticide or insecticidal soap.
How to Harvest Tulsi
Reap the aromatic leaves of your
Tulsi plant throughout the growing season. Once your plant reaches 12 inches in
height, take a pair of scissors and depending on your needs, cut large single
leaf or cut whole branch.
Use fresh leaves on the same day you
harvest because they fade quickly.
Store your Tulsi harvest for future
use by drying out the leaves. Collect branches in a basket and place them on a
dry place away from sunlight and toss the stem 2-3 times every day until leaves
becomes crispy and collapses when you crush..
rest of us, tulsi can be
grown as When to Harvest Tulsi
How long does it take to grow tulsi? Since tulsi is a perennial, it’s best to continiously harvest small amounts of the herb to allow for continued growth.You can begin to harvest tulsi once the plant reaches about a foot in height. Pinch back the growing tips to help encourage a bushy plant habit, which will increase yields. Tulsi plants should be ready for harvest about 40 days after germination and do best with sparse periodic harvests. If harvested gently, by single leaves or branches, a tulsi plant can continue to produce for several years.
In India, tulsi bushes can reach 4 to 5 feet tall in the intense summer heat, but indoors or in more temperate climates, they stay small and bushy, growing no bigger than 1 to 2 feet.
How to Use Tulsi
The most common way to use tulsi is in a tea. The
tea has a natural sweet flavor that reminds me of lemon balm with a slight hint
of clove.
Make tulsi tea by steeping about a tablespoon of the herb
in 1 cup of near boiling water for 15 minutes. Bring the water to a boil
and then allow it to cool for a few seconds before pouring over the tulsi tea
leaves. Boiling water will drive off the volatile compounds and you won’t
get as much flavor in your final tea. Strain the tea and enjoy plain or
with a sweetener. Honey works particularly well if you’re taking tulsi
for respiratory issues.
Beyond tea, tulsi is traditionally used as a spice and
it’s sprinkled on foods to enhance the flavor in much the same way that pepper
or Italian basil is used.
Tulsi seeds should be started indoors 6 to 12 weeks before the last frost. Since tulsi is a tropical plant, it requires warm temperatures to germinate and should be kept in a place that’s at least 20 degrees.C If your house is particularly cool, consider using a seedling heat mat to warm soil temperatures.
Place the tulsi seeds on top of the
soil and tamp them for good soil to seed contact, cover the seeds with 1/4 inch
layer of compost or soil. Water the seeds with sprayer and place them
where they receive part morning sun. Keep the soil constantly moist until the
germination, which will take around 1-2 weeks.
The soil should be kept
continuously moist, but not soggy. Seeds will germinate about 3 weeks
after planting.The plants are very frost sensitive, and should not be moved outdoors until several weeks after the last frost date. Even then, remember to give them an acclimation period to harden off by bringing them indoors into a sheltered place at night for a week or so before permanently planting outdoors. Cold frames are also a good option.
If you’re growing tulsi indoors, be sure that the plant has ample sunlight in a south facing window for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
When the seedlings have grown two or
three sets of true leaves carefully transplant them in individual containers or
outdoors, taking care not to disturb the roots.
Growing Tulsi From Cuttings
Tulsi
also readily grows from cuttings. Use a pair of sharp garden shears and
cut a tulsi stem from an established plant. Remove all the flowers and
most the leaves. Place the cutting in a glass of water on a sunny
windowsill.
Make sure it’s kept continually warm, and
change the water every few days to avoid mold or stagnation.The cutting should
take root in a few days
Soil
Tulsi grows in any fertile soil with
good drainage, pH level around 6 to 7.5 is optimal.
Sun
Holy basil thrives in full sun but
grows in partial shade too, at least four hours of sunlight a day is required.
Watering
Water the plant when top one inch of
soil is dry. Do not water during rain. Reduce watering by the winter to
prevent diseases.
Tulsi Plant Care
It is important to pinch tops of
Tulasi plant when they are forming four or six pairs of leaves, this will make the
plant grow bushier. Even the flower buds need to be removed when they appear.
It grows more lush and full when seed production is prevented.
It is also important to remove the
faded, wilted or discolored leaves to encourage the growth of new foliage. Regular
removal of old leaves and flower buds keep the plant healthy.
Fertilizer – Tulsi requires fertile soils to thrive, especially if you’re regularly harvesting leaves for tea and seasoning. Be sure to supplement with compost to ensure adequate fertility. To the soil with an inch of rich compost every 6 months. The best fertilizer for tulsi plants is a balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer and can be applied every few months for indoor plants.
Pruning
Prune Tulsi as needed throughout the
year to control its size and promote bushier and more compact growth. Remove no
more than half of the growth of stem while pruning.
Overwintering
Move Tulsi plant indoors in the
winter if you live below USDA zone 10, place the plant near a bright sunny
window, where the temperature is kept above 10 C. Move the plant again outside
after all the dangers of frost are passed.
Pests and Diseases
It is generally pests and diseases
free. However, when grown in poor conditions it might be attacked by some
common pests like mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites and sometimes whiteflies.
For treating pests use organic pesticide or insecticidal soap.
How to Harvest Tulsi
Reap the aromatic leaves of your
Tulsi plant throughout the growing season. Once your plant reaches 12 inches in
height, take a pair of scissors and depending on your needs, cut large single
leaf or cut whole branch.
Use fresh leaves on the same day you
harvest because they fade quickly.
Store your Tulsi harvest for future
use by drying out the leaves. Collect branches in a basket and place them on a
dry place away from sunlight and toss the stem 2-3 times every day until leaves
becomes crispy and collapses when you crush..
rest of us, Tulsi can be
grown as When to Harvest Tulsi
How long does it take to grow tulsi? Since tulsi is a perennial, it’s best to continuously harvest small amounts of the herb to allow for continued growth.You can begin to harvest tulsi once the plant reaches about a foot in height. Pinch back the growing tips to help encourage a bushy plant habit, which will increase yields. Tulsi plants should be ready for harvest about 40 days after germination and do best with sparse periodic harvests. If harvested gently, by single leaves or branches, a tulsi plant can continue to produce for several years.
In India, tulsi bushes can reach 4 to 5 feet tall in the intense summer heat, but indoors or in more temperate climates, they stay small and bushy, growing no bigger than 1 to 2 feet.
How to Use Tulsi
The most common way to use tulsi is in a tea. The
tea has a natural sweet flavor that reminds me of lemon balm with a slight hint
of clove.
Make tulsi tea by steeping about a tablespoon of the herb
in 1 cup of near boiling water for 15 minutes. Bring the water to a boil
and then allow it to cool for a few seconds before pouring over the tulsi tea
leaves. Boiling water will drive off the volatile compounds and you won’t
get as much flavor in your final tea. Strain the tea and enjoy plain or
with a sweetener. Honey works particularly well if you’re taking tulsi
for respiratory issues.
Beyond tea, tulsi is traditionally used as a spice and
it’s sprinkled on foods to enhance the flavor in much the same way that pepper
or Italian basil is used.
