Holy Basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum
- Native to:
- Andaman Is., Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, Caroline Is., China, Federated States of Micronesia, Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Maluku, Marianas, Marshall Is., Marshall Islands, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Solomon Is., South China Sea, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vanuatu, Vietnam
Joydeep
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Ocimum
- Species:
- Ocimum tenuiflorum
- USDA Symbol:
- OCTE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in fertile soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil without pretreatment.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Germinate @ 25°C