Organic Holy Basil Kapoor Tulsi Seeds

Kapoor Tulsi Basil, also called Holy Basil, is a flavorful herb that can be used fresh or dried in an array of medicinal and culinary applications. We love it in tea, freshly picked with a sprig of mint. One of our favorite varieties of basil!

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Holy basil is a tasty warm season crop that can grow from early spring until late fall.

Zones 2-8

• Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

Planting Holy Basil Seeds

• Holy basil seeds can be direct sown or transplanted. Regardless of how you begin, seeds should be planted into well-worked moist soil that is free of debris. Seeds are small and should be covered with finely sifted soil for the best results.
• If you are starting seed in starter pots to transplant out, plant seeds on the top of moist high-quality seed starting soil and cover with 1/16″ of finely sifted soil. Holy basil seed is very small and should be planted close to the surface as light helps with germination. Barely cover the seeds.
• If you are direct sowing the seeds, make sure you sow them in thoroughly moistened soil. Holy basil thrives in full sun locations. Follow the same directions as above. Seeds must remain moist to germinate evenly and quickly.
• Once the seedlings have germinated and have a first set of true leaves be sure to fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer.
• Thin and space plants to at least 8″ apart.

Growing Holy Basil

• Holy basil is incredibly easy to grow. Plant your transplants out in the garden when they are 4-5″ tall. Make sure you space them at least 4″ apart. If you direct sow your seeds, thin accordingly. The thinned plants can be transplanted to another area of the garden.
• Keep your plants weed-free by pulling any weeds that may compete with your holy basil.

Succession Planting Holy Basil

• If you enjoy large amounts of holy basil, succession planting is a good idea. Start a new round of seeds every 14 days.

Growing Holy Basil in Containers

• Holy basil is an excellent container crop. If you are planting in containers, make sure your container is at least 10″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.

Harvesting Holy Basil 

• The key to a happy plant is to use it! Trimming holy basil back often will slow its desire to go to flower. Harvest often by cutting the top 1/4″ of the plant.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, holy basil is a very easy crop that will give you delicious foliage well into the fall.
• Prune heavily in late summer to get another flush of foliage in the fall.
• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much. Compost added to the soil at the time of planting will help retain moisture in the soil during hot, dry weather.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Holy basil is an herb that is also very ornamental when it goes to flower. Interplanting holy basil with your flowers is a great way to utilize space and create a beautiful and edible garden. Holy basil looks particularly beautiful planted with alyssum and nasturtium. Holy basil may be interplanted with tomato and cucumber crops.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out the in-depth information for garden pests at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.

There are so many basils to enjoy! Watch this video to learn about basil.