Botanical profile

Holy basil

Latin name
Holy basil
Common name
Holy basil
Type
Annual
Family
Lamiaceae

Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is an aromatic and medicinal herb highly valued for its warm, spicy, and slightly peppery fragrance. Its green foliage, sometimes tinged with purple depending on the variety, gives off a distinctive aroma that sets it apart from classic culinary basils. It integrates very well into herb pots, urban gardens, medicinal gardens, and edible landscapes, where it provides fragrance, texture, and botanical interest.

Easy to grow in warm weather, holy basil prefers a sunny, warm, and wind-sheltered location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It grows very well in containers on a terrace, balcony, or near the kitchen, provided regular watering is maintained without waterlogging the soil. Frequent harvesting of young shoots helps to keep the plant denser, more productive, and well-branched throughout the season.

Traditionally recognized as a medicinal plant in several cultures, holy basil is often used in infusions for its rich and comforting fragrance. Its leaves can also flavor certain drinks, spicy dishes, marinades, and recipes inspired by Asian cuisine. In addition to its aromatic interest, its flowering attracts pollinators, making it an excellent plant for creating a vibrant, useful, and biodiverse herb garden.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic sacred plant with fragrant and medicinal foliage
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, medicinal garden, herbal tea
Container growing
Excellent pot culture in a well-drained container
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to promote dense growth; harvest leaves as needed and protect from cold
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 9 and above
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Regular; keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers warm, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilization when potted; avoid excess nitrogen
Soil type
Fertile, light, warm, well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Sowing or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Harvest and Bloom from Summer to Fall
Flower color
Pale mauve to pink
Foliage color
Green to purplish depending on the cultivar
Foliage type
Persistent in hot climates
Shape
Bushy, upright, and branched habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Width
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, marigolds
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves: July to September
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.