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Holy Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

1 1/2" long green leaves, with purple stems. Known for its use in Hindu culture and Ayurveda. Also known as Tulsi. A common ingredient in Thai cuisine and in teas. Used medicinally for digestion and immune system support. Ht. 16-22".

Harvest

90-100d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

3–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Easy

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Holy Basil in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 herb →

Zone Map

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Holy Basil · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing8-12 inches

SoilWell-draining soil, tolerates poor soils better than culinary basils

pH6.0-7.5

WaterModerate, 0.5-1 inch per week, drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorSpicy, clove-like with peppery and slightly bitter notes

ColorGreen leaves with purple tinges, purple flower spikes

Size1 1/2"

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
Zone 7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December
Zone 10	January – January	February – April	—	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed.

Harvesting

Purple-green to brown smooth to slightly pitted elliptical nutlets 0.8-1.2 mm long with numerous seeds inside.

Color: Brown/Copper, Green, Purple/Lavender. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Edibility: A culinary herb especially in Asia used in the same ways as sweet basil though it is commonly cooked or used in teas rather than used raw. Fragrant leaves have a spicy bite that is a mix of clove, mint, and basil flavor.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh holy basil leaves store best at room temperature in a glass of water, like cut flowers, lasting 3-5 days. Avoid refrigerating fresh leaves, as cold temperatures cause them to blacken and lose potency quickly.

For longer preservation, air-drying is the traditional method that best maintains holy basil's medicinal properties. Bundle stems and hang in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Properly dried leaves retain their potency for up to two years when stored in airtight containers.

Freezing works well for tea blends — spread clean leaves on baking sheets, freeze solid, then store in freezer bags. Frozen leaves become mushy when thawed but are perfect for brewing. You can also make holy basil ice cubes by blending fresh leaves with water and freezing in ice cube trays.

Tincture-making is popular among herbalists: pack fresh leaves in a jar, cover with vodka or glycerin, and steep for 4-6 weeks, straining before use.

History & Origin

Origin: Southeast Asia

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Salt
+Edible: A culinary herb especially in Asia used in the same ways as sweet basil though it is commonly cooked or used in teas rather than used raw. Fragrant leaves have a spicy bite that is a mix of clove, mint, and basil flavor.
+Fast-growing

Considerations

-High maintenance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Holy basil repels tomato hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies while potentially improving tomato flavor

Peppers

Deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants

Eggplant

Repels flea beetles and aphids that damage eggplant foliage

Oregano

Both herbs have similar growing requirements and complement each other's pest-repelling properties

Marigolds

Both plants repel nematodes and various garden pests, creating a strong protective barrier

Lettuce

Holy basil provides shade for lettuce in hot weather and repels aphids that attack leafy greens

Carrots

Helps deter carrot fly and other root pests while improving soil health

Beans

Holy basil repels bean beetles and aphids while beans fix nitrogen in soil

Keep Apart

Rue

Allelopathic properties can inhibit holy basil growth and development

Cucumber

Holy basil can stunt cucumber growth and may affect fruit development

Sage

Competes for similar nutrients and may inhibit holy basil's growth through root competition

Nutrition Facts

Calories

23kcal(1%)

Protein

3.15g(6%)

Fiber

1.6g(6%)

Carbs

2.65g(1%)

Fat

0.64g(1%)

Vitamin C

18mg(20%)

Vitamin A

264mcg(29%)

Vitamin K

415mcg(346%)

Iron

3.17mg(18%)

Calcium

177mg(14%)

Potassium

295mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent natural disease resistance, very hardy

Common Pests

Few pest problems, occasionally aphids

Diseases

Rare disease issues, very resilient

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does holy basil take to grow from seed?▼

Holy basil takes 75-90 days from seed to full harvest readiness. However, you can begin light harvesting once plants reach 6-8 inches tall, typically around 60 days. Starting seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost gives you the longest harvest window, as holy basil needs warm conditions and dies at the first frost.

Can you grow holy basil in containers?▼

Yes, holy basil grows excellently in containers and actually benefits from the improved drainage. Use pots at least 12 inches deep and wide, with drainage holes. Container-grown plants are easier to move indoors before frost and often have more concentrated flavors due to the root restriction. Water less frequently than you would culinary basils.

What does holy basil taste like compared to regular basil?▼

Holy basil tastes completely different from sweet basil, with a spicy, clove-like flavor that's slightly bitter and creates a numbing sensation on the tongue. It has peppery notes similar to oregano mixed with cinnamon. The taste is much stronger and more medicinal than culinary basils, making it unsuitable for Italian dishes but perfect for teas and Indian cuisine.

Is holy basil good for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes, holy basil is excellent for beginners because it's extremely forgiving and disease-resistant. It tolerates poor soil, irregular watering, and requires minimal fertilization. The main challenge is the longer germination time, but once established, it's actually easier to grow than culinary basils since you don't need to constantly pinch flowers.

When should I plant holy basil seeds?▼

Start holy basil seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow after soil temperatures reach 65°F consistently. In most areas, this means starting indoors in February-March for transplanting in May, or direct sowing in late May to early June. The seeds need warm soil to germinate properly.

Can I harvest holy basil flowers or just the leaves?▼

You can harvest both leaves and flowers from holy basil. Unlike culinary basils, the flowers are actually desirable and contain high concentrations of beneficial compounds. The small purple flower spikes are excellent for teas and have an intense, spicy flavor. Allowing flowering also extends your harvest season significantly.