Rama Tulsi
Green or Rama Tulsi produces aromatic green foliage with a warm herbal and clove-like character. It is well suited to containers, herb gardens, aromatic plantings and herbal infusions.
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Price range: $29.99 through $89.99 AUD incl gst Get notified This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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Price range: $6.99 through $59.99 AUD incl gst Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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Tulsi and Holy Basil seed buying guide
Choose the Right Tulsi Seeds
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil or Sacred Basil, is a group of highly aromatic warm-season herbs associated with Ocimum tenuiflorum. It is grown for its fragrant foliage, distinctive flavour, attractive flowers and long history of culinary and traditional use.
Seedmart supplies Tulsi and Holy Basil seeds for Australian home gardeners, herb growers, kitchen gardens and market gardens. Our range includes green Rama Tulsi and the more pungent Thai Holy Basil Red.
The best Tulsi variety will depend on how you intend to use the plant, the flavour and aroma you prefer, and whether you want a traditional green Holy Basil or a stronger culinary type for Thai cooking.
Why Grow Tulsi?
Highly Aromatic
Tulsi produces fragrant foliage with a warm, spicy character that can include peppery, clove-like and herbal notes.
Loves Warm Weather
Holy Basil thrives during warm, frost-free conditions and grows vigorously through the warmer months.
Repeated Harvests
Regular tip harvesting encourages branching and can provide repeated crops of fresh aromatic leaves.
Excellent in Pots
Grow Tulsi in garden beds, raised beds, patio containers, balcony pots and productive kitchen gardens.
Useful Flowers
Plants allowed to flower produce delicate spikes that are visited by bees and other beneficial insects.
Packet and Larger Packs
Choose quantities to suit home gardens, regular sowing or larger-scale herb production, depending on the variety.
Which Tulsi Variety Should I Choose?
Different forms of Holy Basil can vary in colour, aroma, flavour and customary use. Seedmart currently offers two distinctly useful types.
| Growing Goal | Recommended Tulsi | Why Choose It? |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional green Tulsi | Green / Rama Tulsi | Aromatic green foliage with a warm, clove-like character suited to herb gardens, containers and infusions. |
| Thai cooking | Thai Holy Basil Red | A stronger, peppery and pungent Holy Basil suited to stir-fries, curries and traditional Thai dishes. |
| Pad kra pao | Thai Holy Basil Red | The better choice when you want the distinctive strong Holy Basil flavour traditionally associated with this Thai dish. |
| Herbal infusions | Green / Rama Tulsi | A popular choice where the leaves are being grown for aromatic herbal infusions. |
| Colour in the herb garden | Thai Holy Basil Red | Purple-red stems and coloured foliage provide additional ornamental interest. |
| Pollinator-friendly planting | Either variety | Both can be allowed to flower, producing small flower spikes attractive to visiting insects. |
| Growing in pots | Either variety | Tulsi adapts well to containers provided plants receive adequate sunlight, warmth, moisture and drainage. |
Compare Green Tulsi and Thai Holy Basil Red
Thai Holy Basil Red
Thai Holy Basil Red has a stronger peppery character, often with clove-like notes. Its pungent flavour makes it particularly useful for Thai stir-fries, curries and savoury dishes.
Warm and Spicy
Holy Basil generally has a stronger, spicier aroma than ordinary sweet basil, although flavour intensity varies between varieties and growing conditions.
Pollinator Friendly
When plants are allowed to flower, they develop attractive spikes of small flowers that can bring bees and other visiting insects into the garden.
Excellent Pot Herb
Tulsi’s bushy habit makes it well suited to sunny pots and containers where regular harvesting can help maintain compact, branching growth.
Heat-Loving Basil
Like other basils, Tulsi grows most actively when temperatures are warm and performs poorly when exposed to frost or persistently cold soil.
Is Tulsi the Same as Holy Basil?
Yes. Tulsi is a commonly used name for Holy Basil and may also be written as Tulasi. The name is generally associated with aromatic plants belonging to Ocimum tenuiflorum.
However, not every plant sold as basil is Tulsi. Sweet basil, Genovese basil and Thai sweet basil are different basil types with different flavours and culinary uses.
| Basil Type | Typical Character | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Basil / Tulsi | Strongly aromatic, peppery, spicy and often clove-like | Thai cooking, herbal infusions, aromatic gardens and traditional Tulsi cultivation |
| Thai Sweet Basil | Sweeter with a noticeable anise or liquorice character | Curries, noodle soups, stir-fries, salads and fresh garnishes |
| Sweet / Genovese Basil | Sweet, fragrant and classically basil-like | Pesto, pasta, pizza, salads and Mediterranean-style cooking |
Looking for other basil varieties? Browse our complete basil seed collection for Genovese, Thai, Lemon, Greek, Dark Opal and other culinary basil varieties.
Thai Holy Basil vs Thai Sweet Basil
Thai Holy Basil and Thai sweet basil are frequently confused, but they are not the same herb.
Thai Holy Basil
Thai Holy Basil is generally associated with Ocimum tenuiflorum. It has a more pungent, peppery and clove-like flavour than Thai sweet basil.
- Strong, savoury aroma
- Peppery and clove-like flavour
- Traditionally used for pad kra pao
- Useful in strongly flavoured stir-fries
- Often develops purple or reddish colouring
Thai Sweet Basil
Thai sweet basil is generally a form of Ocimum basilicum and has a sweeter flavour with a noticeable anise or liquorice character.
- Sweeter flavour
- Distinct anise-like aroma
- Popular in Thai curries
- Commonly added to noodle soups
- Often used fresh as a garnish
Making pad kra pao? Thai Holy Basil is the traditional basil to choose. Thai sweet basil has a noticeably different flavour and is more commonly used in curries, noodle soups and other Southeast Asian dishes.
Growing Tulsi from Seed in Australia
Tulsi is a warm-season, frost-sensitive herb. It performs best in warm soil, strong light and fertile, free-draining growing media.
| Growing Requirement | General Guide | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Sowing depth | Surface sow or approximately 1–2 mm deep | Tulsi seed is small and should only be covered very lightly with fine seed-raising mix. |
| Germination temperature | Approximately 18–25°C | Warm conditions generally produce faster and more reliable germination. |
| Germination time | Approximately 7–14 days | Germination can take longer when temperatures are cool or conditions are inconsistent. |
| Position | Full sun to light afternoon shade | Strong light encourages compact, bushy plants. Some afternoon protection can help during extreme heat. |
| Plant spacing | Approximately 25–30 cm | Allow enough room for branching and airflow as plants mature. |
| Soil | Fertile and free draining | Maintain adequate moisture without leaving the root zone permanently saturated. |
| Harvest | Once plants are established | Harvest growing tips and upper stems to encourage branching and continued leaf production. |
Growing times are general guides only. Variety, season, temperature, rainfall and local growing conditions can affect germination and plant development.
When to Sow Tulsi Seeds in Australia
Because Tulsi prefers warm conditions, sowing time depends strongly on climate. Avoid exposing young plants to frost or prolonged cold.
Cool Climates
Sow approximately October to January once frost risk has passed. Seeds may be started earlier indoors or under protection where reliable warmth can be provided.
Temperate Climates
Sow approximately September to February when soil and air temperatures are consistently warm.
Subtropical Climates
Sow approximately August to March. The extended warm season allows a longer period for establishment and repeated harvesting.
Tropical Climates
Tulsi can be sown through much of the year when rainfall, drainage and disease pressure are suitable.
Tulsi is sensitive to frost. In cooler parts of Australia, wait until conditions are genuinely warm before planting outdoors. Cold soil can slow germination and young plants may be damaged by low temperatures.
Growing Tulsi in Pots
Choosing a Container
Tulsi adapts well to container growing and is suitable for courtyards, balconies, patios and sunny kitchen gardens.
- Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes
- Use good-quality free-draining potting mix
- Allow enough room for roots and branching
- Position the container in strong light
- Avoid allowing pots to remain waterlogged
Keeping Plants Productive
Established Tulsi responds well to regular harvesting and light pruning, which encourages a bushier growth habit.
- Harvest growing tips rather than only individual leaves
- Cut immediately above a pair of leaves
- Water consistently during hot weather
- Maintain good airflow around the plant
- Remove flowers if prolonged leaf production is the priority
General Method for Growing Tulsi from Seed
- Choose a warm planting period.
Tulsi germinates and establishes best during warm weather. In cool climates, start seed under protection or wait until frost danger has passed. - Prepare the growing medium.
Fill trays, pots or cells with fine, moist, free-draining seed-raising mix. - Sow very shallowly.
Place the small seeds on the surface and cover with only approximately 1–2 mm of fine mix, or press them gently into the surface. - Maintain consistent moisture.
Keep the surface evenly moist during germination without saturating the growing medium or washing the fine seed away. - Provide warmth and light.
Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light and warm conditions to encourage compact growth. - Thin or transplant seedlings.
Allow approximately 25–30 cm between mature plants where practical so they have room to branch and receive adequate airflow. - Begin harvesting once established.
Pinch or cut the growing tips just above a pair of leaves. This encourages additional branching and a bushier plant. - Manage flowering according to your goal.
Remove developing flower spikes when continued leafy growth is the priority, or leave selected plants to flower for pollinators or seed saving.
Do not bury Tulsi seed deeply. The seeds are small and should be surface sown or only very lightly covered. Deep sowing can reduce or delay emergence.
Harvesting Tulsi
Once plants are well established and actively growing, regular harvesting can encourage branching and continued leaf production.
Harvest the Tips
Cut the upper stem immediately above a pair of healthy leaves rather than continuously stripping isolated leaves from the plant.
Encourage Branching
New stems usually develop below the cut, helping produce a fuller and more productive plant.
Harvest Regularly
Frequent light harvesting during active growth can help prevent plants becoming tall and sparse.
Manage Flowers
Pinch out flower spikes when leafy growth is the priority, or allow selected stems to flower for pollinators and seed production.
Tulsi for Bees and Beneficial Insects
Tulsi produces numerous small flowers on upright flower spikes. Plants that are allowed to bloom can attract bees and other visiting insects, making Holy Basil a useful addition to productive and pollinator-friendly gardens.
You do not need to allow every plant to flower. Gardeners wanting both leaves and flowers can continue harvesting some plants while leaving others to bloom.
Saving Tulsi Seed
Tulsi can produce abundant seed when flower spikes are allowed to mature. Saving seed is straightforward once the flower heads have fully developed and begun to dry.
Collecting the Seed
- Allow healthy plants to flower naturally
- Leave flower spikes until seed has developed
- Wait until the seed heads begin to dry
- Cut mature stems during dry weather
- Release the seeds over a clean tray or container
Storing Saved Seed
- Remove excess dried plant material
- Ensure seed is thoroughly dry before storage
- Label the variety and collection year
- Store in a cool, dry and dark location
- Protect stored seed from moisture and high temperatures
Different basil varieties may cross-pollinate when flowering together. If maintaining varietal purity is important, appropriate isolation between flowering varieties should be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulsi the same as Holy Basil?
Yes. Tulsi, Tulasi, Holy Basil and Sacred Basil are names commonly associated with aromatic plants belonging to Ocimum tenuiflorum. Different cultivated forms may vary in colour, aroma, flavour and growth habit.
What is the difference between green Tulsi and Thai Holy Basil Red?
Green or Rama Tulsi has green foliage and a warm aromatic character and is commonly selected for herb gardens and infusions. Thai Holy Basil Red has a stronger, peppery flavour and coloured stems, making it particularly suited to Thai cooking and dishes such as pad kra pao.
Which Holy Basil is best for Thai cooking?
Thai Holy Basil Red is the better choice when you want the strong, peppery Holy Basil flavour traditionally associated with Thai stir-fries and pad kra pao.
Which Tulsi is best for herbal infusions?
Green or Rama Tulsi is commonly selected for aromatic herbal infusions. The leaves have a distinctive warm, herbal and clove-like character.
Is Holy Basil the same as Thai sweet basil?
No. Holy Basil generally has a stronger peppery and clove-like flavour. Thai sweet basil has a sweeter character with noticeable anise or liquorice notes. They are used differently in Southeast Asian cooking.
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 is sold as Rama Tulsi and should not be assumed to be Kapoor Tulsi.
How long does Tulsi take to germinate?
Tulsi commonly germinates in approximately 7–14 days when seed is sown very shallowly and maintained under warm, consistently moist conditions. Cooler temperatures can delay emergence.
Should Tulsi seeds be soaked before sowing?
No. Tulsi seed is very small and can normally be sown directly onto moist seed-raising mix without soaking. Surface sow or cover only very lightly.
Can Tulsi be grown in pots?
Yes. Tulsi grows very well in containers provided the pot drains freely and the plant receives adequate warmth, sunlight, moisture and space to develop.
Can Tulsi be grown indoors?
Yes, although it requires strong light. A bright sunny position or suitable supplementary grow lighting is generally necessary to prevent weak, stretched growth.
Is Tulsi an annual or perennial?
Tulsi can persist for longer in warm, frost-free conditions, but in cool and temperate Australian climates it is commonly treated as a warm-season annual because it does not tolerate frost well.
Does Tulsi attract bees?
Yes. Plants allowed to bloom produce numerous small flowers that are visited by bees and other insects. Flowering plants can therefore be useful in pollinator-friendly herb gardens.
Can I save seeds from my Tulsi plants?
Yes. Allow selected flower spikes to mature and dry before collecting the seeds. If several basil varieties are flowering close together, cross-pollination may occur, so appropriate isolation is needed where varietal purity is important.
New to growing Holy Basil? Read our Thai Holy Basil growing guide for more detailed information about sowing, germination, harvesting, containers and seed saving in Australian conditions.
Tulsi seed for Australian growers
Grow Holy Basil from Seed
Seedmart supplies Tulsi and Holy Basil seeds for home gardens, containers, kitchen gardens and larger herb-growing projects. Choose Green Rama Tulsi for a traditional aromatic green Holy Basil or Thai Holy Basil Red for stronger flavour and Thai culinary use.
Review the individual product pages above for current pack sizes, availability and variety-specific information before ordering.