Vana Tulsi

Basil

Zone 5a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Aromatic and boldly fragrant, Vana Tulsi fills the garden with a deep, resinous basil perfume—cool minty lift with a warm, herbal…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 27th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 19th
Harvest Begins	Aug 18th
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

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

Recommended Companions

Spicy Globe Basil Basil

Variegated Basil Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Ocimum gratissimum (vana tulsi), and how do I control it?

Watch for leaf spots and downy-like issues that flare in humid conditions, plus aphids that cluster on new growth. Remove badly spotted leaves early and improve airflow by spacing plants; water at the base in the morning to keep foliage dry. If you see heavy aphids, rinse them off with a strong jet of water and repeat after 2–3 days until new shoots stop curling or discoloring.

How often should I water Ocimum gratissimum during its main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly weeks 2–8), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil lightly moist but never soggy. In warm weather, this usually means watering about 1–2 times per week depending on container vs. ground conditions; check moisture before watering by feel. When the plant is established and flowering starts, reduce slightly so the soil dries a bit between waterings, which helps prevent fungal leaf problems.

How can I tell when Ocimum gratissimum (vana tulsi) is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting when plants reach about 8–12 inches tall and have multiple healthy sets of leaves, typically around 50–60 days from planting. For best leaf quality, pick just above a leaf pair to encourage branching, and harvest in the morning when leaves are turgid and strongly aromatic. Avoid stripping more than about one-third of the plant at a time so it can keep producing through successive cuts.

Aromatic and boldly fragrant, Vana Tulsi fills the garden with a deep, resinous basil perfume—cool minty lift with a warm, herbal undercurrent that lingers on the air. Its leaves are lush and substantial, with a velvety, slightly puckered texture and a rich green cast that holds its beauty through the season. Grow Vana Tulsi for fresh bouquet-like flavor, fragrant teas, and aromatic infusions—an herb prized for its medicinal tradition as well as its unmistakable scent.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Warm up the soil and protect young seedlings from cool nights—tree basil grows best once nights stay consistently warm.