Kapoor

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Fragrant, jewel-bright leaves of Kapoor Holy Basil unfurl with a heady, peppery-camphor aroma that lingers in the garden air.

The foliage is tender yet substantial, with a crisp, slightly fuzzy texture and a deeply aromatic flavor profile prized for its refreshing lift. Grow Kapoor for aromatic infusions and flavorful herbal blends, and enjoy its upright, richly leafed habit as it matures in about 70 days.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Kapoor Holy Basil hits like a cool, peppery punch—its camphor-tinged perfume blooms fast, so add it off-heat or at the last minute to keep the leaves crisp and the aroma intact. Use it to sharpen coconut milk, lime, and fatty proteins, where it reads as peppery and fragrant rather than bitter.

Best Uses

quick steeped infusions for hot or iced drinks
torn-leaf finishing herb for salads and fruit (used at the end)
aromatic base for quick stir-fries and noodle bowls
citrus-forward chutneys and herb pastes where it can cut through fat

Flavor Profile

peppery aroma with camphor-laced brightness refreshing herbal bite slightly fuzzy, crisp-tender leaves with a clean, aromatic finish

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic ginger coconut milk black pepper chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ocimum tenuiflorum (Kapoor/Basil, holy basil) and how can I manage it?

Holy basil is prone to leaf spot and downy mildew when leaves stay wet, especially in humid weather. Water at the soil level and space plants so air can circulate; remove heavily spotted leaves and improve airflow. If problems persist, spray an approved copper-based fungicide according to label directions, focusing on the undersides of leaves.

How often should I water Ocimum tenuiflorum during the main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the soil consistently lightly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In hot weather, this often means watering about every 2–3 days, but adjust based on how fast your soil dries. Avoid standing water because holy basil in Lamiaceae can develop root stress and fungal leaf problems.

How do I know when Ocimum tenuiflorum (Kapoor) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 60–70 days old and have multiple pairs of mature leaves, usually around when they begin forming flower buds. Pick the top 2–4 inches (pinch leaves or cut stems just above a leaf pair) to encourage bushy regrowth. For best flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried and before the plants fully bloom.