Tulsi, Kapoor  Ocimum tenuiflorum  

Tulsi is another member of the mint family. The one we are speaking of today is the variety known as Kapoor. This species is a true annual that is grown very much like basil. And much like Basil you must continually cut away the flowers to encourage the plant to produce more leaves.

Seed-Starting: I like to start see in the greenhouse in Early April so they are sized up by mid-May ;when it is safe to put them outside. Well, that is if the night temperatures are staying above 50 degrees. Though you could totally start them outside in May, as they are quick growers. The seeds are usually up in a week when started in a warm environment. 

Site: Likes growing in rich soil with ample moisture and a full day of sun. It will require extra watering when we move into our summer drought. Planting with a 10 to 12 inch spacing allows the plants to grow together to make a “hedge” to keep out weeds and keep in pollinators!

Harvest: Whenever you notice the plant flowering harvest the top 1/3 of the plant. You can, and probably should do this once or even twice a week! This is probably the hardest part of growing the plant. 

Medicine: Tulsi has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Once the herb was recognized by Europeans it was known as Sacred or Holy Basil. Tulsi is mainly known as an Adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress. Probably heard of stress before, right? Adaptogens do this not by helping the body function and respond better during stressful times. It slows the torrent of hormones the body releases when we sense stress. During the busy farm season, a cup of Tulsi does wonders. And being an aromatic mint, it stimulates the digestive system, helping when you have stuck gas, bloating or nausea.