Growing Big Tulsi Plant Tips and Tricks

Want tips on growing a big Tulsi plant? We have the best tricks to nurture aromatic Basil right in your home or garden!

Holy Basil (Tulsi) is like a family member in Indian homes because they have much religious significance and come with tons of health benefits. Growing one is actually quick and easy but most people skip on proper care. Not to worry, our Growing Big Tulsi Plant Tips and Tricks will help you out.

Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum

Hindi Name: तुलसी

Common Indian Names: नन्दिनी, कृष्ण जीवनी, विश्वपूजिता, विश्वपावनी, वृंदावनी, पुष्पसारा, वृंदा

Growing Big Tulsi Plant Tips and Tricks

1. Start with the Right Tulsi

We know you’re wondering, What’s the right Tulsi? Well, there are tons of Tulsi plant varieties. The one you need is Rama Tulsi (राम तुलसी)–one of the most popular varieties that is distinguished by its broad leaves and milder scent. You can also go with Krishna Tulsi (कृष्णा तुलसी); it has purple leaves and a spicy aroma.

There are others, too, like the Vana Tulsi (वन तुलसी), which has a combination of dark and light green leaves. All of these are easy to grow and grow big.

Did you know there are 108 varieties of Tulsi in India–the number also holds significance in Yogic philosophy and Vedic cosmology, adding to their spiritualism. 

Which Tulsi Plant is Best for Your Home? Find out here

2. Ready the Pot

Once you have the variety down, get it from the local nursery. You can grow it from seeds, too, but you’ll have better luck with a cutting, as it will grow faster and have the same looks and characteristics as the parent plant.

Get a small pot (one that’s 10-12 inches deep and wide) and fill it with airy but rich soil. It should have good drainage. 2 parts of garden soil with 1 part of cow dung (गोबर की खाद) and a part of sand (रेत) are the best mix for healthy Tulsi plants. Plant the cutting in the pot and give it a good watering session. In a few weeks, it will develop roots and start growing into a pretty Tulsi.

3. Proper Tulsi Care

Now, the key is caring for the plant properly. Make sure it gets 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. You need to give it at least 4 hours, or it will die slowly. Other than that, check it 2-3 times a week and water it when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.

Quick Tips and Tricks for Growing Big Tulsi Plants

Now that you know the basics that can help you grow a big Tulsi plant, here are some unique ones that will help it grow healthier and better.

• Don’t water the leaves and only water the soil directly at the plant’s base. People often think wetting the leaves is good, but it damages the sensitive foliage.
• Make sure the area or pots near the Tulsi pot are clear. By clear, we mean there shouldn’t be any clutter or weeds. They can lead to poor air circulation and fungal diseases.
• Tulsis need bright sunlight but don’t do well in harsh sunlight. So give them the sun, but give them shade during the harsh afternoon hours.
• Pair them up with Marigolds or Lemongrass. These plants are great companions as they help deter common pests that might attack your Tulsi plants and hinder their growth.

Did you know that you can also take the help of Vastu Shastra to grow bigger Tulsi plants? According to Vastu, if you place the plant in the east, or even the north or north-east direction, it will grow best.

Also, the area around Tulsi should be clean, and there shouldn’t be any thorny plants nearby. Give it a raised platform, and don’t place the pot directly on the ground. Furthermore, always plant it in odd numbers, like one or three, and give the best results.