Tulsi, Krishna

Gorgeous deep purple and red-leaved Tulsi basil or Holy Basil, with a peppery scent and flavor with hints of cinnamon and clove. Plant grows to about 2' bush, with geometric woody stems. Hardy through Zones 10 to 12, otherwise can be grown as an annual, or in a container and brought indoors for the winter.

Tulsi makes a delicious and fragrant tea and is an adaptogenic herb, helping your body to maintain balance and manage stresses. Tulsi Krishna originates from North Central India and is important to Hindu belief and worship, as well as Ayurvedic healing. Abundant red-purple blooms are a favorite host for many beneficial pollinators including honey bees, native bees, and butterflies.

(First photo by Sheil Grandhi, third by Tracie Van Aiken)

Days to maturity: 65-80

Seeds per pack: 110

Germination rate: 83% on 02/02/2026

Planting / harvesting notes

Sow seeds on the surface of moist potting soil and keep it evenly moist and in the sunlight until germination. Start indoors, and later transplant in full sun 10-12" apart. Cut-and-Come-Again harvest for aerial parts.

Seed keeping notes

Allow seedheads to dry on the plant. Cut the stalks below the lowest seed clusters. If necessary, dry the seedheads further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, whack the seedheads in a bucket, allowing the ripest seed to fall. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.