Tulsi for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Growing and Harvesting
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a powerful and easy-to-grow herb that can be a valuable addition to your garden or indoor space.
Whether you're new to gardening or looking to expand your herb collection, here’s a beginner-friendly guide to growing and harvesting Tulsi:
Tulsi thrives in warm, sunny environments. Choose a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Whether planting outdoors or indoors, make sure it has enough light to grow strong and healthy.
Tulsi can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If starting from seeds, plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Space them about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth. If growing indoors, choose a container with drainage holes.
Water your Tulsi plant regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Tulsi prefers warm temperatures (70-90°F) and should be protected from cold drafts.
To encourage bushy growth, prune Tulsi regularly by trimming the top leaves and stems. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy. You can also pinch off flower buds to encourage more leaf production.
Harvest Tulsi leaves when the plant is mature, typically after about 2-3 months. Pick leaves in the morning when they are most aromatic and packed with nutrients. Use them fresh, or dry them for later use in teas or cooking.