Vana Tulsi

Basil

60d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 27th
Last Frost	Apr 10th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 22nd
Harvest Begins	Jul 21st
Harvest Ends	Oct 28th

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

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Sweet Dani Basil

Dwarf Cherry Rose Jewel Nasturtium

Lettuce Leaf Large Italian Basil

Tip Top Apricot Nasturtium

Inca II Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

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.