Tulsi or Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum Tenuiflorum, is a holy herbal plant
that is widely planted in South Asia. In the Indian subcontinent, it is also called thulasi. Tulsi is called a holy plant because it is a Hindu mythological or religious character who has a good tie with the widely worshiped god Vishnu. But my mission is not to highlight the tree as a holy tree of any specific religion. In writing about this plant, I want to say it is a holy gift of God. It is holy because of its organic ingredients and natural soothing power.
Description of Tulsi or Basil, the holy herbal plant:
English people knew this plant as holy Basil. It comes from the family of Lamiaceae. It is a herbal plant. It usually grows up to 30 cm to 70 cm high. It is a tender plant.
Usually, its leaves are green, but there are purple colored leaves also available. Its branches and leaves have hairy stems. The leaves of the basil have a strong smell. The plant with purple colored leaves is known as Sham or Krisna Tulsi. And the green colored plants are known as Rama Tulsi or Sree Tulsi in India. There are many types of Basil in the world. For example, Lamon Basil, Purple opal Basil, sweet Basil, and Genovese Basil are a few names of them.
The leaves are round oval shaped. They are generally 5 cm long and 2 cm
wide. The seeds of this plant are flat. Flowers are in two mixed colors, white and purple. Seeds of Tulsi produce very precious oil. The seeds have numerous medicinal values in the realm of alternative medicine.
Cultivation process:
Tulsi or Basil is grown all over the world at large. But it is suitable in the warm and sunny weather. Countries like India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and many other countries situated between 10 degrees to 35 degrees latitude are the home of Tulsi.
You can plant basil inside your house or outside in your garden. Tulsi does not need overwatering to grow. A simple, moisturized soil that is mixed with compost fertilizer is an ideal place. In order to plant it indoors, a gardener should select a container that has a well-draining system. Make a small hole in the lower part of the pot or container so that the water can easily pass.
In case of outside or garden planting, select a sunny location. We also have to be aware that the sun should not shine may than 6-7 hours a day. So it does not sun ray more than 6 hours in a day. The pH level of the soil should be in the range of 5.5-6.5 on the scale.
However, it is wise to select that portion of land where water does not flow. Now, drag only 1.5 cm deep and a line of 30 cm with your finger in the soil. Pour one to three pinches of seeds into the dug place. Cover them very gently and keep the soil loose.
After a week, the tender head of the Tulsi plant will come out. Now it is our duty to wipe out the weeds. Weeds always disturb tulsi plants in their normal growth. After 4 weeks, the plant will come in the shape of 30 cm.
To have a multiple-branched plant, we must follow some instructions. First of all, we must take care of the plant’s health by watering it regularly. In addition to that a regular pruning helps a plant to spread many branches. Look at the video of Oscar Carmona, one of the gardeners of California:
The best time for harvesting Tulsi is after 5 weeks of the plantation. We can use the leaves when we prune the plant. This tree normally does not get attacked by pests or insects. No need to use any insecticide for it. We should collect the fresh leaves before the flowers start blooming.
Basil plants are very easy to cultivate. Very soon, it spreads, so it is less costly than any other plant in the world. Though it costs little, it has many properties. Most of all, it is an excellent herb. Its leave, paste, and honey is the best curing herbal medicine for asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. There are many skin care elements, too. We will discuss the uses and benefits of Tulsi, which is known as sacred Basil, in the next post.
Today, my aim is to narrate the details of the Tulsi or Basil. Besides, highlighting the holy herbal plant’s cultivation process. I tried my best to overcome my mission. If I failed to inform you beyond your expectations, I humbly request that you watch the video to clear my anticipation for you. This video is from an organic gardener.