El Ocimum basilicuma called holy basil which is also known by the names of Tulasi or in turn as Tulsi, we know it as a culinary herb with a longstanding tradition and that it was established in Ayurvedic medicine.
It has its origin in India and today it is cultivated in all countries around the world. It has a smell that is quite pleasant, which is said to have the ability to ward off mosquitoes and for this reason it is one of the varieties that are used very frequently as a garden plant.
Characteristics of holy basil
In climates that are warm as well as tropical ones, this is a plant that grows and has a long duration, however and in European countries, like those of North America, this is a plant that is considered to be quite resistant.
This plant appreciates that the sunlight gives it a lot of direct sunlight, however it has the ability to withstand the filtered sunlight Like the places with partial shade and it is that in the same way that it happens with the other basil plants, it needs a soil that is sufficiently drained.
The right time to sow this plant is during the last days of spring until the beginning of summer, when the Daytime temperatures as well as nighttime temperatures are not usually below 10 ° C.
There are two types of holy basil, the one that is a little softer in a whiter color or in its difference of a pale green hue and one that is red in color with a flavor that is much more assertive.
The leaves like the stems of the red variety they have a range of purple colors.
The leaves of these two varieties are generally smaller in size than the Mediterranean sweet basil and they have become closed instead of having smooth edges. The stems of this plant as well as the leaves are slightly covered by hairs that are quite small.
This is a herb with a lot of aroma as we have already mentioned above and it can grow to about 70 cm tall.
The leaves of the plant are opposite with a appearance that can be oval or in certain cases elliptical, measuring about five centimeters in length, with a formation of small teeth and purplish if it has the opportunity to grow in direct sunlight. The flowers of this plant are found in terminal ears that are about 10 cm long, with a corolla of a white color that reaches three millimeters that has about four stamens that are totally dynamic.
Caring for holy basil
Holy basil like the other varieties of basil, requires a lot of care which are basic and will allow us to cultivate it in the best way in our home.
The first thing we need and what is most basic, is a land that has a lot of fertility, excellent irrigation and enough sunlight for the best growth. In particular we have to be very vigilant as well as offer you the best protection directly against frost, as well as with very cold temperatures. If at the time of watering we use too much water we will be making a serious mistake, since it will be of great interest that the soil remains moist at all times but avoiding the formation of puddles.
The best way to solve this is to offer a drain to be able to maintain the cleanliness of the plant, just as the most indicated will be water only the soil avoiding touching the leaves of the plant.