Red Holy Basil Seeds | Tulsi | Ocimum tenuiflorum | Sacred Indian Herb | Culinary & Medicinal

Red Holy Basil Seeds – Tulsi | Sacred Indian Herb

Red Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum, syn. O. sanctum), known as Tulsi in India, is one of the most revered herbs in the world — sacred to Lord Vishnu in Hindu tradition and regarded as purifying to mind, body, and spirit. Living Tulsi plants are kept in millions of Indian courtyards for their believed protective and spiritual properties. This red-leaf variety features beautiful purple-tinged, pointed leaves on bushy, vigorous plants with a distinctly spicy, clove-like, musky aroma — more intense than sweet basil and with a heat that makes it indispensable in Thai and Indian cooking.

Grows to approximately 20 inches tall, producing pink flowers in mid-summer to early fall. Equally outstanding as a productive kitchen herb and an ornamental container plant for doorsteps and herb gardens. Organic, open-pollinated seed.

Variety Details

• Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum)
• Common Names: Red Holy Basil, Tulsi, Red Leaf Tulsi, Sacred Basil
• Type: Tender perennial — Zones 9–11; grown as annual in cooler climates
• Leaf: Purple-tinged, pointed; bushy growth habit
• Flavor/Aroma: Spicy, clove-like, musky — more intense than sweet basil
• Height: 20 inches
• Bloom: Pink flowers; mid-summer to early fall
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining; pH 6.1–7.3
• USDA Zones: 9–11 (perennial); grown as annual elsewhere

Planting Guide

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost using a sterilized seed-starting mix. In warm climates (Zones 9+), direct sow outdoors in prepared seedbeds.
• Sow seeds ¼ inch deep at 70°F; keep moist until germination in 7–14 days. Light is required for germination.
• Space plants in rows 18 inches apart; thin seedlings to 6 inches.
• Once first true leaves appear, feed every other week with a diluted liquid fertilizer (fish emulsion works well).
• Pinch flower buds regularly to encourage continuous leaf production and delay bolting.
• Grows excellently in containers — ideal for patios, balconies, and doorstep herb gardens.

Culinary Uses

• Gai Pad Gra Pow (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) — the defining ingredient in Thailand’s most popular street food dish
• Thai stir-fries and soups — leaves added at the end of cooking for maximum aroma
• Fresh garnish over Asian noodle and rice dishes
• Indian curries, chutneys, and rice preparations
• Herbal teas and infusions — fresh or dried leaves steeped with ginger and honey
• Supplement and dried herb use — leaves retain flavor and potency when dried

Medicinal & Spiritual Significance

Tulsi has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for respiratory health, colds and flu, digestive relief, and as an adaptogen for stress. It is considered sacred in Hindu tradition, associated with divine protection and purity. Modern research has explored its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Traditional uses should not replace medical advice.