During winter season, the leaves of our Tulsi plant begin to fall. They become smaller, sometimes turn black, the plant looks dull, and its growth slows down.
Many of my followers often ask why their Tulsi plant dries up every year and eventually dies during winter.
Let me tell you one important thing — a Tulsi plant is not meant to live only for 6 months or a year. I have a Tulsi (holy basil) plant at my home that is 6–7 years old, and it is still healthy, green, and bushy.
In this article, I am sharing my real experience of how I take care of my Tulsi plant in winter and protect it from cold stress, so it survives and grows well year after year.
Just follow the steps mentioned below, and it’s almost impossible for your Tulsi plant to die within a year. So, let’s get started.
How to Save Tulsi Plant in Winter
Do you know? As soon as the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius, the Tulsi (Holy basil) plant goes into stress (sleeping zone). This is completely normal and part of its natural growth cycle.
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Tulsi Care in Winter: Quick Summary
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1. Protect Tulsi from Cold Winds and Dew
To protect my Tulsi plant from cold winds, dew, and frost, I always keep it in a sheltered place—under a roof, staircase area, or covered spot with a green net.
Tulsi is not an indoor plant, but it does need protection from night cold in winter.
If nights are very cold, protection is a must.
If daytime temperatures are also very low, then extra care is needed.
Best place:
- A staircase area or semi-covered space is much better than an open terrace.
Note:
- Avoid moving the plant inside and outside every day. Frequent shifting creates stress not only for the plant but also becomes inconvenient for you.
What I Do (My Routine)
Every night, I cover my Tulsi plant with a good-quality, slightly thick plastic sheet.
- In the morning, once the sun is out, I remove the plastic cover.
- I follow this routine regularly during winter, and it helps protect the plant from cold shock.
What You Should Avoid:
Many people make a common mistake — they leave their basil plant completely open on the terrace even during extreme cold.
As a result:
leaves turn black,
plant becomes weak,
sometimes it dries up completely.
2. Ensure Adequate Sunlight
At my home, sometimes there is no proper sunlight for 4–5 days. But after a few days when sunlight returns, I shift my Tulsi plant in a sunny spot.
About Grow Lights
Many people ask if Tulsi can be kept under grow lights indoors.
Tulsi is an outdoor plant and does not survive indoors for long period.
However, during winter if there is;
heavy fog,
continuous rain and
extreme cold,
You can keep the plant indoors under grow light for 5–7 days only.
- If you keep it indoors for more than this, the plant will start weakening and spoiling.
3. Reduce Watering in Winter
One of the biggest reasons Tulsi plants get damaged in winter is extra care, especially overwatering.
Many people water their Tulsi plant daily, even when the soil is already wet. This is very harmful in winter.
Why Soil Stays Wet for a Long Time in Winter
There are two main reasons:
1. Less sunlight
- In winter, sunlight is weak or limited, so water does not evaporate quickly. As a result, the soil remains wet for many days.
2. Slow plant growth
- During winter, Tulsi grows very slowly. When a plant is not actively growing, it uses less water, so the soil stays moist for longer.
Note:
- If you water again while the soil is already wet, it leads to overwatering.
- The roots remain wet for too long, which causes root rot and fungal infection, and the Tulsi plant can get damaged very quickly.
What I Do (My Watering Rule)
I also water my Tulsi plant in winter, but only after checking the soil.
If the top layer of soil feels dry, I water the plant
If the soil is still moist or wet, I completely avoid watering
This simple habit has helped me keep my Tulsi plant healthy for years.
Important Fact: Water Temperature Matters in WinterIn cold weather, never use very cold water for watering.
⚠️ Avoid extremely hot or extremely cold water — both can damage the roots and shock the plant. |
4. Avoid Heavy Pruning in Winter
Avoid pruning your Tulsi plant in winter.
Why because – during winter, the plant is already under stress and dormancy. If you prune it at this time, it goes into even more stress, which can weaken the plant or even damage it.
That is why it is better to avoid pruning completely in the winter season.
What You Should Not Do
no light pruning,
no hard pruning,
no root pruning,
Avoid all types of pruning during cold weather.
What I Do
- I only remove the manjaris (flower stalks) from my Tulsi plant and do nothing else.
- Removing manjaris helps prevent unnecessary energy loss, but the rest of the plant should be left untouched during winter.
5. Avoid Giving Heavy Fertilizers
When the Tulsi plant is already under winter stress, giving heavy fertilizers can do more harm than good.
- Fertilizers should be given only when a plant is in its active growing stage or during its favorable season.
- In winter, Tulsi remains in a sleeping or dormant mode, so it does not need regular feeding.
What I Do
- I do not give any heavy fertilizers during winter.
- I only give mustard cake liquid fertilizer once a month, and that too well diluted.
Why Mustard Cake Fertilizer?
Mustard cake is considered a “warm” organic fertilizer.
- It provides mild warmth to the soil, which helps protect the roots and allows the Tulsi plant to tolerate winter stress better.
This gentle feeding supports the plant without forcing new growth.
👉 If you don’t have mustard cake liquid fertilizer, you can easily order it online or prepare it at home. Follow these simple tips to make mustard cake liquid fertilizer at home
Final Reminder
These are the 5 simple steps I follow every year to protect my Tulsi plant during winter. If you found this article helpful, save it, share it, and follow these steps to protect your Tulsi plant this winter.
FAQs on How To Save Tulsi Plant in Winter
1. Why do Tulsi leaves fall in winter?
Ans: During winter, the Tulsi plant goes into a dormant state, causing the leaves to fall off and growth to slow down.
2. What is the best method to water tulsi plant in winter?
Ans: Always check the soil moisture before watering your Tulsi plant. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water, and if the soil is still moist, don’t water yet.
3. Can Tulsi survive indoors during winter?
Ans: No. You can bring your basil plant indoors to protect it from the cold and frost. Keep it under grow lights for 5 to 7 days. But don’t keep it indoors for too long, as it won’t survive indefinitely inside.
4. Can we do pruning of Tulsi plant in winter?
Ans: It is advised not to prune your Tulsi plant during the winter season. The plant is already under stress, and pruning will only stress it further, so it’s best to avoid it.
5. Which fertilizer should be given to Tulsi in winter?
Ans: Use an organic fertilizer like mustard cake, which is warm in nature and good for the Tulsi plant. Apply it once a month and do not over-fertilize.
Happy Gardening!
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