Ocimum Species, Holy Basil, Thai Basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum
| Family: | Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Ocimum (OSS-ih-mum) (Info) |
| Species: | tenuiflorum (ten-yoo-ee-FLOR-um) (Info) |
Category:
Herbs
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Foliage:
Shiny/Glossy
Foliage Color:
Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
N/A
Bloom Color:
Pink
White/Near White
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Blooms all year
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting:
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Fremont, California
Richmond, California
San Pedro, California
Atlanta, Georgia
Kailua, Hawaii
Kaneohe Station, Hawaii
Maunawili, Hawaii
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Buffalo, New York
Garber, Oklahoma
Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes
Belton, Texas
Houston, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
American Fork, Utah
Logan, Utah
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Neutral | On Aug 3, 2013, Siirenias from Oak Park, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: Gorgeous green plant, often with reddish stems and much sturdier in appearance than Sweet Basil. |
| Neutral | On Jul 18, 2012, mdhingra from delhi, In our country India, its been considered that a girl having periods cannot water tulsi plant. |
| Positive | On Jul 16, 2007, pajaritomt from Los Alamos, NM (Zone 5a) wrote: Very nice culinary herb. Easy to grow. Often used in the same dishes as Thai sweet basil for a little different flavor. |
| Positive | On Nov 19, 2002, ocimum_nate from American Fork, UT (Zone 5a) wrote: Holy Basil Ocimum sanctum is indigenous to India and southern Asia. It is used in Thailand for culinary purposes. It is believed to be an incarnation of Tulsi the wife of Vishnu (one of three high gods in Hinduism) and is a symbol of fidelity. It can be found in two different leaf colors: green and purple. It is a somewhat small and compact plant ranging from 12-30" tall and wide. It is grown as a perennial plant in its native tropical environment but can also be grown as an annual in cooler regions. The leaves are simple and opposite in arrangement. They alternate directions at each node of the stem. The leaf is ovate with pinnate venation and has undulating crenate margins. The apex of the leaf is obtuse and the base is rounded. The surface of the leaf is mostly glabrous while t... read more |
| Neutral | On Aug 11, 2001, mystic from Ewing, KY (Zone 6a) wrote: It is not as leafy or bushy as most basils, but is appreciated for its fragrance. The small leaves are about 1/2" long and the plant grows 1-1/2 to 2' high.Leaves are small and fuzzy with a sweet, clove-like fragrance. Violet or white flowers. Used in some religious ceremonies. Not highly suited for culinary uses. It can be grown in mixed flower borders or in a pot on a patio. |
