herb
EdibleHoly Basil / Tulsi
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA (basil, non-toxic)).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
Holy basil, or tulsi, is the sacred and everyday plant of South Asia, and the same species is the holy basil of Thai stir-fries. It grows like sweet basil — warmth and bright light — and is non-toxic to pets.
About Holy Basil / Tulsi
Holy basil, or tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), is a sacred and everyday plant across South Asia, kept by the door, brewed as tea, and used in Ayurveda. The same species is the holy basil of Thai cooking, the pungent leaf in pad kaphrao. It comes from the Indian subcontinent and grows much like sweet basil, so for a renter it asks little: a 4-litre pot on a bright sill, or a clip-on grow light if your windows are dim.
Treat it as you would sweet basil. Pinch out the flower spikes as they form to keep the leaves coming and the flavour strong, and give it warmth and the brightest light you can. Where winters are cold it is best grown as an annual, since it resents frost. A first real harvest comes around 50 to 70 days from sowing, after which regular picking keeps it productive.
What it’s like to grow
Holy basil is easy for a beginner and signals its needs plainly. Tall, pale, stretched stems mean it wants more light, and a sudden decline usually traces to cold, wet soil. Keep it warm, water when the top of the soil is dry, and pinch often. Like sweet basil it is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it is a safe herb to keep in a kitchen with pets.
What to expect
First harvest in about 50–70 days. It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓♻ Regrow from scraps
Root a 10 cm cut stem in a glass of water for one to two weeks, then pot it up.
Companions
Tips
- Pinch out the flower spikes to keep the leaves coming and the flavour strong.
- Give it the brightest window you have, or a clip-on grow light.
- Treat it as an annual where winters are cold; it resents frost.
Common problems
- Leggy, stretched stems in weak light.
- Quick decline if it sits cold and wet.
Common questions
Is Holy Basil / Tulsi toxic to cats and dogs?
Holy Basil / Tulsi is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA (basil, non-toxic).
How much light does Holy Basil / Tulsi need?
Holy Basil / Tulsi wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Holy Basil / Tulsi?
Water Holy Basil / Tulsi when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Holy Basil / Tulsi need?
Holy Basil / Tulsi is happiest around 18–30 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 10 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
How long does Holy Basil / Tulsi take to grow?
Expect a first harvest about 50–70 days from sowing under good conditions. A few plants give regular leaves for tea and cooking through a warm season if you pinch the flower spikes off.
Can I grow Holy Basil / Tulsi without a sunny window?
Yes. Holy Basil / Tulsi does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Holy Basil / Tulsi get?
A bushy upright herb ~0.3–0.5 m tall; grow one plant per small pot.
How do I propagate Holy Basil / Tulsi?
Root a 10 cm stem cutting in water for one to two weeks, then pot up; or sow seed.
What pests affect Holy Basil / Tulsi?
Watch for aphids, whitefly and spider mites. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Holy Basil / Tulsi easy to grow?
Yes. Holy Basil / Tulsi is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Holy Basil / Tulsi
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice; only eat plants you can positively identify as the edible plant and part described. Photo: kamath_ln, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-08.