Holy Basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum
- Native to:
- Andaman Is., Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, Caroline Is., China, Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Maluku, Marianas, Marshall Is., Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., 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,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, white, pink
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
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and maintain soil temperature of 70-75°F. Seeds are short-lived and best sown fresh.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Germinate @ 25°C