Growing Tropical Tulsi (Krishna & Rama)

Successfully Grow Tulsi Basil in any Climate!

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as holy basil or tulasi, is a flowering plant in the Lamiaceae, or mint family. It originated in north central India and now grows throughout the tropical regions of South Asia. The two main cultivated morphotypes, or varieties, are Rama (green leaf) and Krishna (dark purple leaf). Many American seed companies and flower growers market Tulsi that is actually Ocimum africanum (also known as Kapoor Tulsi), and has a drastically different scent and appearance to true Indian Tulsi. If using tulsi for its spiritual or medicinal qualities, search for Ocimum tenuiflorum or Tulsi ‘Krishna’ or ‘Rama.’

A tulsi plant is common place in any Hindu household in India, no matter the time of year. Here in the US, where the weather is more temperate, tropical conditions need to be mimiced in order for the plant to survive through the Winter.

Tulsi plants love heat. For most parts of the US, the Summers get warm enough for the plant to live outside, either in the ground or in a pot. However, it’s imperative to not bring your tulsi plant outside too early, otherwise it will become stunted. As a general rule of thumb, do not bring your plant outside until your overnight temperatures are above 60 degrees F. You can bring it outside duing the day if desired.

Tulsi grows extremeley slowly when young and temperatures are still cold. Keep your plant on a sunny windowsill until the proper conditions have been reached. Flower heads may form on a young plant and should immediately be pinched off to encourage branching and more foilage growth (plant on left is ready for pinching).

The green leaf tulsi variety (Rama) grows slightly faster in our more temperate climate, however, the red leaf variety (Krishna) has stronger medicinal properties. Both varieties should be planted, or placed in a location with full sun. If planting directly in the ground, the young plant should be watered everyday until the roots have established. Once established, waterings can be reduced to 2-3 times a week. In pots, water when the top inch of soil has dried.

Consistent top pruning will produce a more bushy plant and more leaf production. The pinched flowers can be used to make tea.

Propagation can occur from stem cuttings. Cut a sturdy branch and remove the bottom 2 inches of leaves. Place in a glass of water out of direct sunlight. Roots should form in 2 weeks. Replant in a pot or outside.

If planting in a pot, use a well draining potting soil with perlite. My go to potting soil for vegetables and herbs is Happy Frog Potting Soil, which can usually be purchased at your local Ace Hardware, plant nursery or hydroponics store.

Winter Months

The most common question I get asked at Farmers Markets is ‘how do I keep my tulsi plant alive in the Winter?’

It is entirely possible to keep your plant alive and thriving through the Winter. However, you must mimic the tropical conditions it’s used to. Bring you plant back inside when night time temperatures are consistently dipping below 60 degrees. In order to provide warmth, place your plant in a South facing, sunny window. Providing bottom warmth through a heat mat can help encourage growth through the cold months. Set the thermostat to 65-70 degrees.

If you do not have a sunny window, consider investing in a plant grow light. Set the light to be on for 8 hours during the day.

Good Luck!