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IndoorBasil 'Holy Green' is a culinary and medicinal herb known for its aromatic leaves and numerous uses. Gardeners will appreciate this plant's unique qualities and versatility. The Growers Exchange is proud to offer high-quality holy basil plants for sale that are perfect for your garden. Read on to learn more about this herb.
Basil 'Holy Green', also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum or Tulsi, is a variety (or some say a close relative) of holy basil prized for its vibrant green leaves and strong, somewhat peppery fragrance. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is primarily cultivated for its leaves, which are used in various dishes, herbal teas, and traditional medicines. Holy basil is considered sacred in India and is commonly found in temples and homes.
Basil 'Holy Green' is a perennial plant in tropical climates but is typically grown annually in temperate regions. It reaches a height of one to two feet and has a bushy, branching habit.
The bright green, oval-shaped leaves have smooth or slightly serrated edges and emit a unique fragrance with hints of clove (eugenol) and floral notes (linalool). The small, purple, or white flowers arranged in spikes add to the plant's ornamental appeal. The entire plant, from leaves to stems, is covered with fine hairs, giving it a fuzzy texture.
The holy basil plant originated in India and has been cultivated for over 3,000 years. It is highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine and Hindu religious practices. The plant is often grown near temples and homes as it is believed to bring good luck and protect against negative energies.
Holy basil was introduced to other parts of Asia, Africa, and eventually Europe and North America, where it is now appreciated for its medicinal properties and culinary versatility.
An excellent herb for beginner gardeners, Basil 'Holy Green' is relatively easy to grow and care for. Here are some essential tips for cultivating healthy Basil 'Holy Green' plants.
Sun: Basil 'Holy Green' thrives in full sun. Ensure the planting site receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Temperature: Annual
Soil: Basil 'Holy Green' prefers light, well-drained soil.
Planting: Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and growth and to help prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew. The holy basil plant can also be grown indoors.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing: If needed, you can use plant feed once a month.
Pruning: Regularly pinch off the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. However, never prune more than 50% of the leaves because this could cause too much stress on your basil plant. Continuous trimming prevents them from going to seed and allows your plant to focus more on producing foliage than blooms.
Basil 'Holy Green' is a versatile plant with numerous uses and benefits.
Culinary Uses: The aromatic leaves of Basil 'Holy Green' are used in a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, and sauces. Its unique flavor enhances the taste of many recipes, particularly in Thai and Indian cuisines. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they make a flavorful addition to herbal teas and beverages.
Medicinal Uses: Holy basil is renowned for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and stress-relieving properties. Holy basil is often used to support respiratory health, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
Ornamental Value: Besides its culinary and medicinal uses, the holy basil plant also offers ornamental value. Its bright green leaves and delicate flowers make it a beautiful addition to herb gardens, flower beds, and containers.
Pollinator Attraction: Basil 'Holy Green' flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Basil 'Holy Green' can add a peppery touch to your culinary creations, potentially contribute to well-being through traditional practices, and beautify your garden with its vibrant green foliage. This well-rounded plant offers something for everyone, making it a worthwhile addition to any garden.
The Growers Exchange ships high-quality, sustainably grown plants straight to your doorstep. Place an order for Basil 'Holy Green' today!
Basil is a wonderful plant to plant near your kitchen windows or doorways, not just for its use in your favorite dishes, but because this culinary herb has terrific natural pest repellent properties! Said to effectively keep house flies and mosquitoes away, planting Basil near entryways to your home, rubbing it on your skin and clothing, and planting it around your yard and patio will help reduce the amount of unwanted summer pests. Planting it in your garden will also keep destructive pests like Thrips, white flies, and aphids away from neighboring plants. Basil blooms are also very attractive to butterflies and other useful pollinators.
Basil is said to increase the health and flavor of many vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, cabbage and especially tomato plants when companion planted together. For best results, do not plant Sage or Rue near your Basil, as this is said to inhibit the plant's growth and flavor. Instead, grow Chamomile near your Basil plants to encourage its success.
Tulsi Basil is a venerated herb in the Hindu religion; its name means 'the incomparable one" and a Hindu household is considered incomplete without this herb. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is considered 'Rasayana' which means an herb that expands happiness. This herb is one of our most popular, and that is no doubt due to its many attributes:
And the list goes on and on. There are many reports of folks ingesting Tulsi basil on a daily basis with amazing results. We are not physicians, and we encourage customers to consult with a medical professional before using any herb for medicinal purposes (and Tulsi should not be used by pregnant women) but we did want to share our method of brewing a nice batch of Holy Green Basil Tea - an easy and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of this amazing plant.
Easy To Brew:
You can use either fresh or dried herbs. In addition, add a bit of honey!
This is for one cup:
1 teaspoon of fresh Tulsi leaves (no stems)
or
1/2 teaspoon of dried Tulsi leaves
Bring water to a boil, take off of the heat, and pour over Tulsi leaves
Let this steep, covered, for 20 minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey and enjoy!
PS: We've heard of folks using their Keurig filter for another means of brewing.
