Holy Basil Seeds - (Ocimum sanctum)

Holy Basil

A native herb in India with sweetly fragrant, clove-like flavor, where it is known as Tulsi.

It is sacred in the Hindu religious tradition and is regarded as one of the most important plants used in Ayurvedic medicine. You will see holy basil growing in profusion around Hindu temples in India.

Uses

The aromatic leaves can be used in salads, cooking, herb butter or tea. Also repels mosquitoes.

Companion Planting

Basil does well with asparagus and helps tomatoes overcome pest insects and disease while improving growth and flavor of both. It is best to grow the shorter basil plants alongside or parallel to the tomato plants instead of among them in their shade.

Peppers – both sweet and hot – like basil alongside them, as does beans, beets, cabbage, and eggplant. Herbs that like basil nearby are oregano and chamomile.

Basil repels mosquitoes and most flies, so keep a couple of planted pots near doorways and entrances.

Common rue and sage are antagonistic to basil, so don’t plant them near each other.

Growing Tip

When basil starts to flower, it will stop growing leaves – so pinch the flower heads off to encourage new leaf growth.

Learn More

• All About Basil
• Heirloom Basil - So Much More Than Pesto See the recipe on Making Fresh Tulsi Tea!
• Easy Homemade Basil Pesto
• Fresh Heirloom Basil Recipes

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