Grow Tulsi – The scientific name of tulsi plant is Ocimum tenuiflorum. Known as the queen of herbs and revered by Hindu people, Tulsi or Holy Basil is one of the most important plants that can be grown in a home garden. This highly aromatic plant has immense importance in Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system of India. No wonder, like many other plants, tulsi finds an important place in the Indian household, religious rituals and ceremonies. Growing tulsi needs understanding the nature of this tender plant and taking proper care of it. Following are some essential tips to grow tulsi in a pot or in a garden.
Growing tulsi plant
The fully grown plant can reach the height of about 2 to 3 feet at the most. It has furry leaves and pink colored flowers. The seed germinate in about two week’s period. A temperature of about 22 degree Celsius is ideal.
The tulsi plant grows well in a climate with plenty of sunlight and adequate humidity. The plant is tender and therefore must be treated and handled with utmost care while planting, watering, repotting, fertilizing, etc. A pollution-free, noise-free and peaceful atmosphere is ideal for its optimal growth.
Soil preparation
A fertile, well-aerated soil is ideal for tulsi plant. If you are planning to plant it outdoors, make sure that the soil is well-dug. Mixing organic compost or cow dung is a good way to make the soil fertile and facilitate proper aeration. Make sure that the soil as well as the compost is weed-free.
The container
Tulsi plants can quickly turn into a thick bush and spread on all sides. Use a container that is large enough to allow the plant to grow comfortably on every side. It is also important to ensure that the container has adequate number of outlets for draining excess water.
Sunlight
It is a perennial plant that thrives on ample sunlight. It is therefore important that your tulsi plant receives sunlight for about 6-8 hours. If you grow them indoors, placing the container near windowsills to provide the container with bright yet indirect sunlight. In summer seasons, the indoor plants can be placed outside the house to receive direct sunlight in the mornings and evenings to facilitate growth.
Watering
Tulsi plant needs regular watering in hotter seasons and less water during colder and humid ones. The water should be adequate enough for the plant and the soil should not be allowed to become to damp which can result in root decay. Proper drainage of water from the soil is essential.
Fertilizer
Like any other potted or garden plant, tulsi plant needs outside help in the form of fertilizers to maintain the level of nutrition in the soil. Fertilize the soil with a fertilizer or organic compost once a month. Cow dung is also an excellent manure to enrich the soil.
Maintenance
Pruning the tips of the tulsi plant branches helps a bushy growth of the plant from all sides. This should be done once or twice every month.
