Ocimum tenuiflorum/sanctum. Non-GMO. Open-Pollinated. 100 days to harvest High germination rate - 90% with current lot A wonderful herb with an astringent, pungent, warm and sweet, with notes of peppermint, cloves, licorice, and lemon. Holy basil has a plethora of benefits and is great in dishes or as a tea! Makes a great tea that strengthens the immune system and increases oxygen uptake in the brain. Also used in Ayurvedic medicine as a poultice on acne, ringworm, eczema and insect bites. Spicier than other basils and quicker to go to seed, but still usable when covered with purple flowers. Gaea’s Blessing is based in Illinois, USA. We are committed to promoting sustainable growing methods, to protecting the biodiversity of our planet, to doing our best to ensure the wellness of the environment, and above all, to ensuring our customers' satisfaction. As adopters of the Safe Seed Pledge, we do not consciously buy or sell seeds that have been genetically modified.

Seed Overview

(Ocimum tenuiflorum) Open-pollinated and Non-GMO.

Holy basil is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and is an aromatic plant in the mint family Lamiaceae with a more compact growth habit and more pungent sweet flavor. Spicier than other basils and quicker to go to seed, but still usable when covered with purple flowers. Plants will grow to 12-24 inches tall and wide, with hairy stems and simple, green leaves that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to almost 2 inches long, usually slightly toothed. The flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls. It is a perennial that acts as an annual.
Holy basil is an adaptogen that has antioxidant, neuroprotective, stress reducing and radioprotective effects, and has been found to have normalizing effects on blood pressure and blood sugar imbalances. When used on a regular basis as a tea or tincture, holy basil can be prophylactic against the negative effects of environmental toxins, including cancer and epidemics including cholera, influenza and malaria. Also, commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine as a poultice on acne, ringworm, eczema and insect bites. Makes a tasty tea that strengthens the immune system and increases oxygen uptake in the brain.

Culture Information

Direct seed when soil warms up in late spring or transplant after danger of frost in well-drained moderately rich soil. Young seedlings will damp off if heavily watered during cool cloudy weather. Water sparingly at first. Use row covers to enhance early season vigor and speed maturity. Thin to 8–12", top mature plants to induce branching and increase total yield. Harvest before plants blossom. More tolerant of cold than mos basils but absolutely intolerant of frost and damaged by temperatures in the 30s.