Holy Basil and Tulsi Seeds Australia

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil or Sacred Basil, is a group of highly aromatic herbs associated with Ocimum tenuiflorum. These warm-season plants are valued for their fragrant foliage, culinary versatility, attractive flowers and suitability for garden beds, raised beds and containers.

Seedmart Australia supplies Holy Basil and Tulsi seeds for home gardeners, herb growers and market gardens. Our current range includes green Rama Tulsi and the more pungent Thai Holy Basil Red.

New to growing Holy Basil?

Read our complete Thai Holy Basil growing guide for Australia, covering sowing times, germination, containers, harvesting and seed saving.

Which Tulsi Variety Should I Choose?

Although Rama Tulsi and Thai Holy Basil belong to the Holy Basil group, they differ in appearance, flavour and their most common uses.

Feature Rama Tulsi Thai Holy Basil Red
Common names Green Holy Basil, Green Tulsi, Sacred Basil Thai Holy Basil, Red Tulsi, Krapao
Botanical name Ocimum tenuiflorum Ocimum tenuiflorum
Appearance Predominantly green leaves and stems Green to purple-tinged leaves with purple-red stems
Flavour Warm, aromatic and clove-like Stronger, peppery, spicy and clove-like
Best suited to Herbal infusions, kitchen gardens, pots and pollinator plantings Pad kra pao, Thai stir-fries, curries and colourful herb gardens
Shop seeds View Rama Tulsi Seeds View Thai Holy Basil Red Seeds

Rama Tulsi Seeds

Rama Tulsi is a green-leaved form of Holy Basil with strongly aromatic foliage and a warm, clove-like fragrance. It is commonly selected for herbal infusions, container growing and general-purpose herb gardens.

The bushy plants respond well to regular harvesting and produce delicate flower spikes that attract bees and other beneficial insects. Rama Tulsi is particularly suitable for gardeners wanting a traditional green Holy Basil rather than a strongly coloured culinary type.

Thai Holy Basil Red Seeds

Thai Holy Basil Red is a pungent culinary form of Holy Basil with purple-red stems and green to purple-tinged leaves. Its robust peppery and clove-like flavour is particularly suited to Thai cooking.

This is the type to choose when growing Holy Basil for pad kra pao, strongly flavoured stir-fries, curries, soups and savoury dishes. It also provides attractive colour in kitchen gardens, raised beds and patio pots.

Is Tulsi the Same as Holy Basil?

Yes. Tulsi is a traditional name for Holy Basil and is commonly used for aromatic plants belonging to Ocimum tenuiflorum. Holy Basil is also sometimes called Sacred Basil or Tulasi.

Several cultivated forms of Tulsi exist. These may differ in leaf colour, flavour, plant habit and customary use, which is why names such as Rama Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi, Kapoor Tulsi, Vana Tulsi and Thai Holy Basil are encountered.

Is Holy Basil the Same as Thai Sweet Basil?

No. Holy Basil and Thai sweet basil are related but distinct plants.

  • Holy Basil: generally Ocimum tenuiflorum, with a stronger peppery and clove-like flavour.
  • Thai sweet basil: generally Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum, with a sweeter anise or liquorice flavour.

Thai Holy Basil is the traditional choice for pad kra pao. Thai sweet basil is more commonly used in curries, noodle soups, salads and fresh garnishes.

To compare Holy Basil with other culinary basil types, browse Seedmart’s complete Basil Seeds collection.

Growing Tulsi in Australia

Tulsi is a frost-sensitive, warm-season herb. It performs best in warm soil, bright light and fertile, well-drained growing media. In most Australian climates it is grown as an annual, although plants may survive for longer in tropical and frost-free subtropical regions.

Growing Requirement General Recommendation
Sowing depth Surface sow or cover very lightly, approximately 1–2 mm
Germination temperature Approximately 18–25°C
Germination time Usually 7–14 days in warm conditions
Position Full sun to light afternoon shade
Plant spacing Approximately 25–30 cm apart
Soil Fertile, moist and free draining
Harvest Begin light harvesting once plants are established and branching well

For detailed cultivation instructions, climate-specific sowing periods and troubleshooting advice, see our guide to growing Thai Holy Basil in Australia.

When to Sow Tulsi Seeds in Australia

  • Cool climates: sow from October to January after frost risk has passed, or start indoors with warmth.
  • Temperate climates: sow from September to February once conditions are consistently warm.
  • Subtropical climates: sow from August to March.
  • Tropical climates: sow throughout the year when drainage and growing conditions are suitable.
  • Arid climates: sow from September to March and protect plants from extreme afternoon heat.

These periods are general guides. Local frost dates, elevation, rainfall and seasonal temperatures should also be considered.

Can Tulsi Be Grown in Pots?

Yes. Tulsi grows well in containers and is suitable for patios, balconies, courtyards and compact kitchen gardens.

Choose a pot at least 20–30 cm wide for one mature plant and ensure it has unrestricted drainage. Use a quality potting mix, position the container in a warm and sunny location, and water regularly during active growth.

Container-grown plants respond well to frequent harvesting and occasional applications of a balanced liquid fertiliser.

Does Tulsi Attract Bees?

Tulsi produces small flower spikes that attract bees and other beneficial insects. Gardeners can regularly harvest most plants for foliage while allowing selected plants or stems to flower.

This makes Holy Basil useful in culinary gardens, mixed herb beds and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Can You Save Seed from Tulsi?

Seedmart’s Rama Tulsi and Thai Holy Basil Red varieties are open-pollinated, allowing gardeners to collect mature seed for future planting.

Allow healthy plants to flower and leave the seed heads until they become dry and brown. Cut the stems, release the seeds over a clean tray and store fully dried seed in a labelled container in a cool, dry and dark place.

Different basil varieties may cross-pollinate when flowering together. Growers wishing to maintain a particular variety should use appropriate isolation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Tulsi for herbal infusions?

Rama Tulsi is commonly selected for herbal infusions because of its green foliage and warm, aromatic, clove-like character.

Which Holy Basil is best for Thai cooking?

Thai Holy Basil Red is the better choice for pad kra pao, stir-fries and other dishes requiring a strong, peppery Holy Basil flavour.

Is Rama Tulsi the same as Kapoor Tulsi?

No. Rama Tulsi and Kapoor Tulsi are names used for different cultivated forms of Holy Basil. Seedmart’s current green Holy Basil product is sold as Rama Tulsi and should not be assumed to be Kapoor Tulsi.

Is Tulsi annual or perennial?

Tulsi may persist as a short-lived perennial in warm, frost-free conditions. In cool and temperate Australian climates, it is generally grown as a warm-season annual.

How long does Tulsi take to germinate?

Tulsi seeds generally germinate in approximately 7–14 days when sown shallowly and maintained at a suitable temperature. Cooler conditions may delay germination.

Can Tulsi be grown indoors?

Yes, provided plants receive strong direct sunlight or suitable supplemental lighting. Low-light indoor conditions may produce weak, stretched growth.

Can red and green Holy Basil be planted together?

Yes. Rama Tulsi and Thai Holy Basil Red have similar warm-season requirements and can be grown together, provided they receive adequate space, sunlight and airflow.

Buy Holy Basil and Tulsi Seeds

Choose the variety that best matches how you intend to use it:

Expanding Tulsi range

Seedmart Australia is developing a broader Holy Basil collection. Additional varieties and a multi-variety Tulsi seed collection may be added as suitable seed becomes available.