An Easy Guide to Growing Tulsi from Seeds or Cuttings

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How to plant these tasty & beneficial herbs indoors or outside
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Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a beautiful herb that’s often added to dishes or used as a medicinal plant to treat a wide range of ailments, like reducing stress and fighting inflammation. If you want to reap this plant’s benefits, you’re in luck—it’s easy to grow tulsi from seeds or a stem cutting. We're here to teach you the best ways to grow, care for, harvest, and use tulsi, with expert tips from plant care specialists.

Planting a Tulsi Plant

  1. Sow tulsi seeds ¼ in (0.6 cm) deep in a pot full of moist, well-draining soil.
  2. Set the pot in a warm spot that gets 6-8 hours of bright sunlight.
  3. Mist the soil with water to keep it moist.
  4. Wait for the seedlings to sprout in 5 to 7 days.
  5. Plant the seedlings in a large pot indoors or in your garden outdoors.
Section 1 of 5:

Growing Tulsi from Seeds

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  1. Fill a pot or tray with well-draining soil and moisten it thoroughly. Get out a nursery pot or seed tray and add soil, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top of the container. Then, water the soil so it is very moist, but not soggy. [1]
    • It’s best to start tulsi seeds indoors in the early spring, or about 4 to 6 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date. [2]
    • If the danger of frost is past in your area and the temperatures are staying above 50° F (10° C), feel free to sow tulsi seeds directly into your garden outside.
    • Check out this map of average spring frost dates to find out your area’s last expected frost date.
  2. Sow the seeds ¼ inch (0.6 cm) beneath the soil. Because holy basil seeds are so small, simply sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil. Then, gently press them down into the surface using your finger. [3]
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  3. Tulsi plants need 6-8 hours of bright sunlight each day and germinate best when temperatures are at least 68° F (20° C). Find a warm spot where the tulsi receives plenty of indirect sunlight and set down the pot or tray. [4]
    • Be careful not to leave the plant near open windows or doors if the temperature cools down overnight.
    • If you don’t have a sunny spot in your home, place a grow light about 4 inches (10 cm) above the tulsi. [5]
    • To ensure the holy basil stays warm enough, place a heat mat under the pots or tray.
  4. Tulsi seeds typically begin to sprout within 5 to 7 days. While they’re germinating, check the soil often and water it so it stays moist, but not soggy. [6]
    • For instance, use a spray bottle to lightly mist the surface of the soil. If you are pouring water into the pot, do so slowly and carefully so you don’t disrupt the seeds.
    • Tip : Cover the top of the pot with plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag to help seal in moisture. However, you still need to check the soil and add more water if it feels dry. [7]
    Vasant Lad, Ayurvedic Physician

    Tulsi, the Queen of Herbs, thrives when nurtured mindfully at home. Sow seeds in fertile soil near a sunny window. Mist often as shoots emerge, then transplant seedlings into good earth. Offer water when the top inch dries out, and feed with compost tea monthly. Pluck leaves to stimulate growth, but cease in cold months. With patient care, tulsi graces the home with vitality through the seasons.

  5. Keep the soil moist as the tulsi seedlings continue to grow. Once the seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, which are the leaves that grow after the 2 round leaves the tulsi sprouts with, plant the tulsi in a larger pot or transplant them into your garden. [8]
    • To transplant tulsi into a larger pot : Get an 8-inch (20 cm) pot that has drainage holes and fill it with well-draining soil. Carefully dig out a seedling and place it in the center of the pot. [9]
    • To transplant tulsi into your garden : Find a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct light and has well-draining soil (water drains quickly and doesn’t stay soggy). Carefully remove the seedlings from the tray and plant them 12 to 15 inches (30-38 cm) apart in the ground. [10]
    • Harden off the seedlings before planting or keeping them outdoors. Start by setting them outside in partial sun for 1 hour. Then, gradually increase the amount of sun and time they stay outside over the course of 2 weeks. This prevents them from being shocked by the outdoor conditions. [11]
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Section 2 of 5:

Caring for Your Tulsi Plant

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  1. Holy basil grows best in moist soil. Check on your plant every few days by sticking your finger 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) deep into the soil. If the top layer of soil is dry, water it. [12]
    • How often you need to water your plant depends on the temperature and climate—you may need to water more often in hot, dry areas.
  2. Whether you’re growing holy basil indoors in a pot or outside in your garden, it needs plenty of sunlight. Make sure you’re growing it in a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of bright, direct sun. [13]
    • If you don’t get a lot of light indoors, place a grow light over your tulsi plant.
  3. To maintain the nutrients in the soil and help your tulsi grow faster, fertilize it with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Just water it with the fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. [14]
    • Follow the directions on your bottle of fertilizer for instructions on how to mix it up and apply it to your plant.
    • Alternatively, sprinkle the soil with an organic compost, such as cow manure , every few weeks to fertilize your tulsi plant.
  4. The experts at Artemisia Nursery, a plant nursery and garden shop, recommend pruning holy basil “just above the node” because this causes the plant to “divide into two so it’ll continue growing in a much bushier, fuller form.” Once your tulsi has 3 sets of leaves on a stem—1 at the top and 2 on the sides—it’s safe to prune. Simply cut off the top set of leaves just above the other 2 sets of leaves. [15]
  5. If you allow your holy basil to flower, it can grow woody, produce fewer leaves, and lose its flavor. Simply pluck or snip off any flowers that you see starting to grow. Then, regularly check for dead and dying leaves and remove them to keep your plant healthy. [16]
  6. To help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing, spread an even layer of mulch around the base of your tulsi plant. For instance, apply bark mulch or pine straw . [17]
  7. Once you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, it’s time to repot the plant into a larger pot. Simply select a container that’s 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) larger than the old one, fill it with well-draining soil, and transfer the holy basil into the pot. [18]
    • Depending on the size of pot you used to start, you may need to repot your tulsi plant every 1 to 2 years.
    • Keep in mind that holy basil can grow up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall. Make sure you use a pot that’s large enough to hold the plant or transfer it into the ground where it has enough space to grow.
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Section 3 of 5:

Propagating Tulsi from Stem Cuttings

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  1. Use sharp, sterilized scissors to remove the stem right below a set of leaves. Then, pluck off the leaves from the bottom portion of your cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top. Just leave about 2 inches (5 cm) of the stem completely bare. [19]
    • Select a stem that hasn’t flowered yet. You can take a cutting from a flowering stem, but it is usually more difficult to root.
    • Tip : Dip the end of the stem into a rooting hormone to help speed up the rooting process.
  2. Fill a clear drinking glass or mason jar with enough water to cover just the bottom half of the stems. Then, insert the cutting and ensure the top leaves aren’t below the water line. Feel free to place more than 1 stem in the container, just make sure it is not overcrowded. [20]
    • Change out the water every day or when it starts to appear cloudy. This prevents the stems from rotting from an overgrowth of bacteria. [21]
  3. Find a windowsill or table that gets at least 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight. Make sure the spot is free from drafts and stays around 68° F (20° C). [22]
  4. It typically takes 7 to 10 days for the holy basil cutting to start to grow roots. Once the roots are ½ to 1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long, transfer the cuttings into soil. [23] Either plant the cuttings in an 8-inch (20 cm) pot full of well-draining soil or plant them in a spot in your garden that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight and has well-draining soil. [24]
    • If you have multiple cuttings in the container, pull them apart gently to avoid breaking the delicate roots.
    • Make sure to harden off the cuttings over a period of 2 weeks if you’re planting them outside or keeping them in pots outdoors.
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Section 4 of 5:

Harvesting and Storing Tulsi Leaves

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  1. If you only need a few tulsi leaves, simply pluck them from the stem with your hands. However, the experts at Artemisia Nursery recommend harvesting basil by cutting the stems “just above a node” and a pair of leaves. This allows “for new growth to continue to emerge” and gives you a “denser, bushier plant that's ultimately healthier and more productive.”
    • Aim to harvest tulsi in the morning after the dew dries, as this is when the leaves have the highest oil concentration.
    • Only harvest up to ⅓ of the plant at a time. Then, let it regrow before you harvest it again. [25]
  2. If you don’t plan on using an entire stem of holy basil leaves at once, simply place the cutting in a glass of water. Then, leave it on your kitchen counter out of direct light; it keeps well for about 2 to 5 days. [26]
    • For slightly longer storage, wrap the tulsi leaves in a damp paper towel and keep it in your refrigerator.
  3. Snip off several long stems of holy basil and tie them together with a piece of twine. Then, hang the stems upside down in a paper bag with holes cut into the sides. Hang the bag in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for about 1 week. [27]
    • Once the leaves are dry, remove them from the stems, place them in an airtight container, and store them in a cool, dark place (like your pantry).
    • Wash and pat the tulsi leaves dry before hanging them up to dry .
    • Alternatively, dry the leaves in your oven or a food dehydrator. Lay the stems in a single layer on a baking sheet and dry them at 115° F (46° C) for 1 to 4 hours. [28]
  4. Another way to preserve tulsi for a long time is to freeze the individual leaves. Simply wash and dry the leaves and place them in a plastic freezer bag or container. Then, set the leaves in your freezer. [29]
    • As another way to freeze holy basil leaves, private chef Ollie George Cigliano recommends placing individual leaves in ice cube trays and filling them with water. Then, simply pop out the ice cubes “when needed for soups, sauces, and cocktails.”
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Section 5 of 5:

Tulsi Uses and Benefits

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  1. One of the most popular uses for tulsi leaves is brewing tea. Simply harvest 4 to 6 sprigs of tulsi and let it wilt slightly on your counter. Then, place the leaves in a large container and pour 1 quart (1 l) of boiling water over them. Just let the leaves steep for 15 minutes. [30]
    • Licensed herbalist Tracy Zollinger says tulsi tea is thought to calm you down by “reducing your blood pressure and transitioning from that fight or flight state to a rest and relaxed state.” It’s also believed to help “modulate the effects of stress on the body.”
  2. Tulsi leaves have a delicious clove flavor that’s a bit more spicy, bitter, and robust than sweet basil. [31] They make a tasty addition to Thai curries (like Kaeng Pa), Pad Kee Mao, Pad Kaprao, stir frys , and fried rice.
  3. Use tulsi in essential oils and supplements to reap its health benefits. Tulsi is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, which is a holistic approach to health that’s primarily practiced in India. Some studies indicate that tulsi can decrease blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, improve healing, and alleviate stress. [32]
    • For instance, make tulsi into an essential oil and use it in candles and soaps. Or, make a tulsi tincture or take tulsi supplements.
    • Tulsi is considered a sacred herb in Ayurvedic medicine and Hinduism due to its purported health benefits and significance to spiritual rituals. In fact, it’s commonly called “The Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs.” [33]
    • Warning : Talk to your doctor about using tulsi before taking supplements or other medicines. Avoid taking supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. [34]
    • Note : Research on tulsi’s health benefits is limited. More studies are needed to evaluate these health claims.
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    How long does it take tulsi to grow?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    The tulsi plant will germinate about 2 weeks after you plant the seeds, and will grow its first set of true leaves 2-3 weeks later. The plants should be ready for transplant another 2-3 weeks after that.
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    Why don’t we water tulsi on Sundays?
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    In Hinduism, the tulsi is a sacred plant. Certain days are especially sacred to the tulsi plant, including Sundays. Plucking the leaves is forbidden on Sundays, and some practitioners of Hinduism believe that the plant shouldn’t be disturbed at all on that day—even to water it.
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    Which day should you plant the tulsi plant at home?
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    In Hinduism, it’s considered especially auspicious to plant the tulsi during the months of Jeyshth (May-June) and Ashad (June-July). During those months, any auspicious day will work, such as the night of a full moon.
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      • In the winter, bring your basil indoors to harvest the leaves all year long. If your basil is in the ground, cut the stems 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) from the ground before the first frost. Then, cover the plant with a sheet or tarp to help prevent it from getting frost damage. [35]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/fTC17T8IWb8?feature=shared&t=89
      2. ↑ https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/growing-herbs-tea
      3. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-basil#direct-seeding-932360
      4. ↑ https://www.washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/ocimum-tenuiflorum.php
      5. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/starting-seeds-indoors
      6. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-basil#direct-seeding-932360
      7. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/basil/grow-your-own
      8. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-basil#direct-seeding-932360
      9. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/basil/grow-your-own
      1. ↑ https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2015/12/basil.pdf
      2. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/starting-seeds-indoors
      3. ↑ https://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/herbs/basil/
      4. ↑ https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2015/12/basil.pdf
      5. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-basil#soil-testing-and-fertilizer-931960
      6. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-basil
      7. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-basil#pruning-933012
      8. ↑ https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pascoco/2024/03/08/spice-up-your-life-a-beginners-guide-to-growing-basil/
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/d03kjyDXrJM?feature=shared&t=91
      10. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/basil/grow-your-own
      11. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/basil/grow-your-own
      12. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/environmental-factors-affecting-plant-growth
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/maH3DgL1K78?feature=shared&t=59
      14. ↑ https://youtu.be/maH3DgL1K78?feature=shared&t=196
      15. ↑ https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ocimum-tenuiflorum/
      16. ↑ https://publications.ca.uky.edu/sites/publications.ca.uky.edu/files/NEP237.pdf
      17. ↑ https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pascoco/2024/03/08/spice-up-your-life-a-beginners-guide-to-growing-basil/
      18. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/8836/sp50921dryingherbs.pdf
      19. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/preserving-and-preparing/preserving-herbs-freezing-or-drying
      20. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-basil#preserving-933014
      21. ↑ https://foodinjars.com/recipe/make-fresh-tulsi-tea/
      22. ↑ https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ocimum-tenuiflorum/
      23. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5376420/
      24. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4296439/
      25. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-holy-basil
      26. ↑ https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2015/12/basil.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Tulsi is easy to grow at home and you don’t need any special equipment. You can grow tulsi in an ordinary flower pot with high-quality soil. Simply sprinkle the tiny seeds over the soil and use your fingertips to gently push the seeds ¼ inch below it. Then use a spray bottle filled with water to mist the seeds each day for 1-2 weeks, until they begin to germinate. You can also root tulsi in water. Cut a 4 - 6 inch stem from a mature tulsi plant and place the cutting in a glass filled with water. Then simply transfer the plant to soil when you can see the roots starting to grow. For more information about tulsi from our Horticulturist co-author, like how to care for it so that it thrives, read on.

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