How to Grow Tulsi (Holy Basil) at Home in India

Tulsi, or holy basil, is one of the most common plants in Indian homes, and it's also one of the easiest to keep alive if you give it the right conditions. Most problems come from too much water and too little sun, not from neglect.

Give it as much sun as you can

Tulsi wants bright light for most of the day. A spot on a balcony or terrace that gets direct morning sun is ideal. If the plant stretches tall and thin with pale leaves, it isn't getting enough light, and moving it closer to the sun usually fixes it within a few weeks.

Choose a pot with good drainage

Standing water is what rots tulsi roots. Use a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom, and never let it sit in a saucer full of water after watering. A clay or terracotta pot works well because it lets excess moisture evaporate.

Use a light, well-drained soil mix

Plain garden soil packs down and holds too much water in a pot. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a handful of sand or coco peat keeps the roots airy. See our potting mix guide for a simple recipe.

Water when the top soil is dry

Push a finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until it drains out of the bottom. If it's still damp, wait a day. In the monsoon you may not need to water at all, and in peak summer you may need to check daily.

Pinch it to keep it bushy

Tulsi grows tall and leggy if left alone. Pinch off the top few leaves regularly, and remove flower spikes as they appear if you want more leaves for everyday use. Pinching keeps the plant compact and productive.

Common mistakes

• Yellowing leaves and soggy soil: overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings.
• Black, mushy stems at the base: the roots are rotting. Repot into fresh, drier soil.
• Pale, thin growth: not enough light.

Tulsi is a good first plant for a balcony or windowsill, and once it's established it will keep producing leaves for daily use all year.