Holy Red Thai Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum "Krishna Tulsi") | seeds, approx. 20 pcs.

• Latin name: Ocimum tenuiflorum "Krishna Tulsi"
• Danish names: Holy basil, red tulsi
• English names: Holy basil, Krishna tulsi, red holy basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum ‘Krishna Tulsi’ is a dark-leaved and aromatic variety of holy basil, one of the most significant spice and medicinal plants in India and the rest of South Asia. This variety is characterized by its deep purple to dark green leaves and a more intense, spicy, and slightly peppery aroma compared to the green form.

The plant has an upright, bushy growth habit and produces small, purple to pink flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The leaves are highly fragrant and are traditionally used in tea, spice blends, and Ayurvedic practice. The taste is complex with notes of spice, clove, and a slight bitterness.

Cultivation and requirements

Ocimum tenuiflorum ‘Krishna Tulsi’ thrives best in full sun to light partial shade and prefers:

• nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
• even watering during the growing season
• warm and sheltered conditions

The plant is not frost-tolerant and is grown in Denmark as an annual or as a potted plant that can be overwintered in a bright, frost-free location. It grows quickly during the summer months and is well-suited for pots, greenhouses, and herb beds.

Regular pruning or harvesting of leaves promotes dense and bushy growth.

Cultivation from seed

Seeds of Ocimum tenuiflorum are easy and quick to sow. For best results, we recommend:

• surface sowing or very light covering
• sowing in a light and well-drained soil mix
• temperature of 20–25 °C
• keeping the soil evenly moist, but not wet

Germination typically occurs within 5–14 days. The young plants grow quickly and can be pricked out when they are large enough to handle.

Utility and collector's value

‘Krishna Tulsi’ is known for its aromatic and traditional use in tea, cooking, and herbal medicine. In Ayurveda, the plant is considered to have various properties and is used in, among other things, herbal teas and extracts.

As a plant, it is also very decorative with its dark leaves and delicate flowers, and is an obvious choice for those who wish to grow herbs with both aesthetic and functional value.

Compared to common basil (Ocimum basilicum), tulsi has a more complex and spicy taste and a stronger scent, which makes it something quite special for any collection.

Ocimum tenuiflorum ‘Krishna Tulsi’ is an excellent choice for the plant enthusiast who wants a fast-growing, fragrant, and traditional herb straight from seed – a unique type of basil with history, taste, and character.