Holy Basil Seeds
Holy Basil Seeds - Tulsi Seeds - Ocinum tenuiflorum - Rama Tulsi
Ocinum tenuiflorum
Rama Tulsi
- Annual
Full Sun
- Germination Tested November 4, 2025: 80%
- Approximately 100 seeds per packet
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Holy basil, also called tulsi, is a delightful aromatic and medicinal bush tulsi from India. It is traditionally used in Ayurveda for many ailments. It is one of the few adaptogenic herbs that are easy to grow as annuals in the north! It makes a very tasty tea. It can be used in place of Italian basil in any recipe. The flavour is a bit sweeter and floral than Italian basil. I like to use the leaves and a few young flower tops in pesto, sauces, and cocktails.
The most often used parts are the flower spikes and leaves. I like to cut off the flowers and upper leaves when they've just started to bloom, and dry for tea or tincture. When frost nears, I cut off the entire plant at the base and dry it all. If you let the flowers mature, the seeds will create a gel around themselves similar to chia when added to drinks.
Bees love the flowers, and collect a bright red pollen from them.
Growing Instructions
Growing Instructions
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
By placing an order, customers agree to the shipping & refund policies detailed on this page.
Most orders are sent via Canada Post to keep costs low.
Shipping within Canada
We ship seeds in Canada via Canada Post's regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-4 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally letter mail takes up to 6 weeks, especially to the Eastern provinces and rural areas.
Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery and/or tracking.
Larger bulbs and plants are usually sent via tracked flat rate box.
Shipping to the US
UPDATE FEB 2, 2026: WE ARE TAKING A BREAK ON ACCEPTING US ORDERS DUE TO ISSUES WITH USPS
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Shipping Internationally
International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.
International shipping countries include: Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom. (List updated Aug 31, 2026)
This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts.
Refund Policy
Refunds: We stand behind our seeds, so if for some reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, please reach out to us via email and we will do our best to make it right. Please note that shipping costs are non-refundable.
Cancelled orders: If you wish to cancel an order after purchasing, we may refund your order minus card processing and admin fees at our discretion. We do not accept returns on seeds or plants.
Refused orders: We cannot issue a refund if you refuse to accept or do not claim an order we've mailed to you, or made available for local pickup.
Incorrect addresses: Please double check your mailing address, and let us know ASAP if you've entered an incorrect address at checkout. We may need to charge for additional shipping fees to resend orders.
Ecologically Grown
Ecologically Grown
Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
