Holy Basil Seeds
Holy Basil Seeds - Tulsi Seeds - Ocinum tenuiflorum - Rama Tulsi
Ocinum tenuiflorum
Rama Tulsi
- Annual
Full Sun
- Germination Tested November 22, 2024: 100%
- 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
We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, and Internationally for a flat rate of $20*. Shipping costs to the US will include the cost of a phytosanitary inspection and certificate, as well as tariffs.
Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada.
Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars, and may change without notice.
Shipping in Canada
We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-3 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally orders take longer, especially to the Eastern provinces and rural areas.
Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery.
Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.
Shipping to the US
Shipping charges to the US will also now include a government phytosanitary inspection and certificate. This will be bundled into the shipping cost. We ship via Canada Post, and any applicable duties will be calculated at checkout. So far (as of Sept 1, 2025), it's looking like there are no duties charged on seeds.
Please expect delays for US shipping, as during busy times it can take up to 2 weeks for us to book a phytosanitary inspection.
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: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
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: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page
Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option.
Return Policy
If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.
Ecologically Grown
Ecologically Grown
Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
