Tulsi Krishna Basil (Ocimum sanctum) is a striking aromatic herb with deep purple stems, medium green leaves, and clusters of lavender-pink blooms. This hardy warm-season annual attracts bees and beneficial pollinators throughout the summer. It thrives in containers, raised beds, sunny borders, and sensory garden designs where fragrant foliage and colorful stems add beauty and texture.
Features
- Dark purple stems with green aromatic foliage
- Non-GMO Ocimum sanctum variety
- Highly attractive to bees and pollinators
- Excellent for containers, raised beds, and garden borders
- Warm-season aromatic annual with elegant flowering spikes
- Distinct visual contrast in ornamental herb displays
Specifications
- Common Name: Tulsi Krishna Basil, Purple Holy Basil
- Scientific Name: Ocimum sanctum (syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum)
- Plant Type: Annual in cool climates; short-lived perennial in warm zones
- USDA Zones: 9–11 perennial; grown as annual in zones 4–8
- Season: Late spring through summer
- Height: 18–36 inches
- Foliage: Medium green leaves with purple stems
- Bloom Color: Lavender-pink
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Days to Maturity: 70–90 days
- Heat Tolerance: Excellent
- Cold Tolerance: Poor; frost sensitive
- Plant Spacing: 12–16 inches
- Seed Longevity: 3–5 years stored cool & dry
Planting Guide
- Sowing Method: Start indoors or direct sow in warm soil after frost.
- Seed Preparation: No soaking required; optional light scratching on seed coat may improve germination.
- When to Plant:
- Indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost
- Outdoors: After frost when soil warms
- Sowing Depth: 1/8 inch; press lightly and cover thinly.
- Germination Time: 7–14 days in warm conditions.
- Light Requirements: Full sun for strongest foliage color.
- Soil Conditions: Loose, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist while establishing; water moderately afterward.
- Maintenance:
- Pinch tips to encourage branching
- Remove flower spikes to extend leafy growth if desired
- Avoid overwatering, especially in containers
