Organic 'Kapoor Sacred Basil'
Organic 'Kapoor Sacred Basil' (Ocimum tenuiflorum) from the seed company Gaia, a traditional tulsi with a spicy aroma and ancient medicinal uses
Holy basil 'Kapoor' forms a bushy, well-branched plant with bright green foliage , sometimes tinged with darker tones, releasing a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet fragrance , often compared to cloves . Its aroma is deep and enveloping, very different from classic culinary basils, which explains its preferred use in infusions and medicinal preparations rather than in fresh cooking.
Native to India and central to Ayurvedic traditions, sacred Tulsi is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties , traditionally used to support balance of body and mind. Its abundant and prolonged flowering also makes it an excellent pollinator attractant , continuously drawing bees and beneficial insects throughout the summer. Easy to grow and adaptable, it naturally finds its place in herb gardens , vegetable patches , and container gardens .
Companion plants: Tomato, Pepper, Asparagus, Oregano, Purslane
Enemy plants: Rue
Spread/Habit: Bushy, compact
Plant height: 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet: 50 seeds
Certification: Certified organic
Special features: Holy basil (Tulsi), spicy clove-like fragrance, traditional medicinal plant, very attractive to bees, edible leaves and flowers
Leaf color: Medium green
Texture/flavor: Tender leaves, spicy and slightly sweet aroma
Cold tolerance: Sensitive to frost
Farming method
Sow the seeds 6 weeks before the last frost , at a depth of 0.6 cm , in a light, well-drained substrate. It is recommended to soak the seeds for up to 12 hours in lukewarm water to promote even germination, which is generally observed in 8 to 14 days , at an optimal temperature of 23 to 29°C . Transplant outdoors after all risk of frost has passed, spacing the plants 30 to 45 cm apart, either in the ground or in pots.
Holy basil 'Kapoor' prefers a sunny location (level 3) and moderate watering (level 2) . It adapts well to varying conditions and tolerates slight climatic fluctuations better than other basils.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage growth. Pinching the plant involves removing the tip of a stem just above a point where two leaves emerge; this promotes branching and prevents excessively rapid flowering. When the plant reaches approximately 15 cm (6 inches) , cutting the main stems back to this height encourages a second, denser growth spurt.
Flowering slightly influences the taste of the leaves, but can be intentionally retained to support pollinators and also to harvest the edible flowers .
For storage, keep the unwashed leaves in the refrigerator, around 0°C , as excessive humidity causes browning.
Usage ideas
• Traditional Tulsi infusions and teas
• Drying the leaves for medicinal use
• Mild and aromatic spiced cuisine
• Honey and medicinal garden
• Growing plants in pots near living areas
'Kapoor Sacred Basil' is a plant deeply rooted in tradition , renowned for its unique spicy fragrance , medicinal uses , and major ecological role . A sacred herb, an infusion plant, and a haven for pollinators, it embodies a vibrant and balancing presence in the garden.
