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Tulsi plant (holy basil)

How to grow Tulsi plant from seeds

Planting is an art, and propagating plants from seed requires the touch of a skilled gardener. Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is a beloved and commonly grown plant.

In this article, we will provide detailed guidance on every key aspect to empower every enthusiast to master the art of growing basil plant from seed.

Tips to grow Tulsi plant from seeds

Growing Tulsi (basil) from seeds can be a rewarding experience. By following the tips below, you can successfully grow basil from seed and enjoy the many benefits of this sacred herb.

1. Weather requirement for Tulsi (holy basil) plant

The ideal temperature to grow seeds is 15-25 ℃. It should not be either too hot or cold. Ideally, in India this temperature range falls thrice in a year –

1. Spring Season (February – March) – Particularly suitable for the North India region.

2. Monsoon Time Period ( June – September) – This period also falls within the ideal temperature range for seed germination.

3. During Autumn (October – November) – While this period can be suitable for seed germination in many parts of India, it’s important to note that in North India, it’s not recommended due to the impending cold winter. Saplings may struggle to survive in the harsh winter conditions.

2. Choose quality Tulsi (basil) seeds

Always use fresh high-quality basil seeds. Make sure they are within their viable shelf life, as older seeds may have lower germination rates.

From where you can get Tulsi plant seeds:

1. Harvesting Seeds from Tulsi Plants: Brown-colored dried flowers that grow on Tulsi plants can be collected to obtain seeds for growing new Tulsi plants.

2. Seed Maturity: Basil seeds become dark brown when they have fully matured. It’s important to use seeds that have naturally matured, as only then can they be reliably used for growing new plants.

3. Seed Quality and Maturation Factors: The maturity of seeds can be affected by factors such as excessive chemical fertilizers, inadequate sunlight, or insufficient watering. It’s essential to ensure that seeds are not only dried but also matured properly to ensure successful germination.

4. Choosing the Right Seeds: Carefully select seeds from healthy Tulsi plants, preferably from a known source or a reputable nursery.

5.From Nurseries or Online: You can obtain good quality Tulsi (holy basil)seeds from nurseries or online platforms, which offer a convenient way to access a variety of seed options.

  • Tulsi Seeds

3. Growing medium for Tulsi plant

soil mixture
soil mixture

Seeds may not thrive in clayey soil. The ideal soil mixture for growing Tulsi plants includes:

1. Local SoilCollect soil from your local area, sieve it to remove debris, and ensure it’s clean.

2. Neem Cake Add a small portion of neem cake to the soil.

3. CompostUse compost, preferably from sources such as cow dung, kitchen waste, or vermicompost, in equal quantity to the soil.

4. Coco Peat Add an equal amount of coco peat to help maintain soil moisture.

5. SandAdd approximately one-fourth the quantity of sand in relation to the soil.

Thoroughly mix all these components to create a well-balanced growing medium.

 How to sow Tulsi seeds 

If you want to sow multiple seeds then opt for a seedling tray.

Seedling tray

If these trays are not available and the requirement is also less then pots can also be used to sow the seeds. The procedure of sowing, germinating, and transplanting seedlings is the same for both.

Follow below given steps to sow tulsi seeds in seedling tray:

1. Fill the tray: Fill the tray with the prepared growing medium and water it thoroughly to ensure the soil settles and remains moist.

2. Plant the seeds: Place the Tulsi seeds in the tray at the appropriate spacing.

3. Cover with coco peat or soil: Gently cover the seeds with either coco peat or the same soil mixture used earlier. Coco peat helps retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

4. Moisten the surface: Use a spray bottle to lightly moisten the surface of the seedling tray. Avoid pouring water directly, as it may displace the seeds.

Watering
  • Watering Schedule: Water the seedlings every 2-3 days. Overwatering can promote the growth of fungus and bacteria, potentially harming the plant.
  • Light Conditions: Place the seedling tray in a brightly light area, but avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the top layer of soil to dry out too quickly, which may hinder seed germination.
  • Germination Time: Typically, it takes around 10-11 days for the seeds to germinate.
  • Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown stronger, usually after about 1 month, you can transplant them into larger pots.

Process of separating the saplings

Seedlings

1. Transplanting: Gently press the bottom of the seedling tray to release the saplings along with the soil. Plant them in larger pots to allow the roots space to expand.

2. Soil Mixture: Use the same growing medium in the new pots, preferably a mix of the same soil mixture and coco peat. Handle the delicate saplings gently.

3. Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight for the first 3-4 days after transplanting. Afterward, expose them to early morning sunlight while ensuring they receive bright light. Avoid placing them in the dark to prevent leggy growth.

4. Watering: Water the saplings when the top layer of soil becomes dry; avoid overwatering. At this stage, you typically don’t need fertilizer or manure.

5. Fertilizer: If the plants show slow growth or nutrient deficiencies, you can use a well-diluted liquid fertilizer made from cow dung or mustard cake (dilute it at least 10 times with water).

Continue reading How to grow Tulsi plant from seeds

tulsi plant

Tulsi Plant Care in Winter Season: 10 Tips

Tulsi, cherished for its perennial nature, sacred aura, and aromatic allure, is a beloved presence in countless homes. This remarkable plant has the capacity to thrive for numerous years without the need for seasonal replacements.

Despite its resilience, many individuals are unaware of the proper care essential for sustaining the vitality of the Tulsi (Holy basil) plant, which can lead to its demise within a single season.

This comprehensive article identifies common mistakes that, with careful attention, can be addressed to extend the lifespan of your Tulsi plant. Now, let’s explore some common mistakes that, when addressed with care and attention, can significantly extend the lifespan of your cherished Tulsi plant.

Tulsi Plant Care in Winter Season: 10 mistakes to avoid

1. Not Following Perfect Growing Season – Summer Season:

Many folks are still unfamiliar with the optimal growing season for the Tulsi plant. They often plant it haphazardly and then wonder why it’s not thriving. The issues can be categorized into three main mistakes:

  • Planting Tulsi cuttings at the wrong time.
  • Sowing Tulsi seeds in the soil at an inappropriate time.
  • Purchasing Tulsi from a nursery at the wrong season.

 Avoid buying or cultivating Tulsi plant during winters

  • Tulsi is essentially a summer plant  and in regions where warmth persists throughout the year, there’s no cause for concern. 
  • However, during the cold season, it requires special care. 
  • The season significantly influences the plant’s growth, so it is crucial to avoid buying or cultivating it during winters; otherwise, it may wither or experience stunted growth.

2. Not following proper technique of watering:

If the tulsi plant does not receive adequate water, it may show initial growth but eventually dry up. Striking a balance between not underwatering and avoiding overwatering is crucial for its well-being.

Watering tips

  • Ensure you water the plant when the top layer of soil is dry and provide a sufficient amount so it reaches the plant’s roots.
  • Avoid giving small amounts that don’t penetrate the bottom layers of the soil.

Avoid watering daily to Tulsi (holy basil) plant

It’s essential to dispel the myth of daily watering for tulsi.

Watering daily, especially when the soil is already moist, can lead to root rot. 

  • During summers, be extra cautious. Water the plant promptly when the soil dries and continue until water starts draining out from the bottom hole of the pot.

3. Not Grown in healthy soil:

The ideal soil is crucial for the fruitful growth of any plant. Well! After taking proper soil mixture also, there can be chances  where the quality soil is not promoting the abundant growth of the plant. Prevailing reasons for that could be any of them stated below. Like- 

  • Soil is clayey, too sticky, too hard. 
  • Soil gets cracks in it easily after some days.
  • Soil might be infected with insects or termites.

Enhance the soil

To address these issues, enhance the soil with compost, such as cow dung manure and sand, to make it soft, nutrient-rich plus porous.

  • A healthy soil composition facilitates easy root spread and encourages the overall flourishing of the plant.

A well-draining soil mix is essential for Tulsi plants!

While plants in open lands may require less care but those planted in  pots or containers demand more attention to ensure the soil is appropriately enriched for optimal growth.

4. Not picking perfect pot:

avoid fancy pots
avoid fancy pots

 

Despite the variety of attractive pots available  in the market designed specifically for Tulsi plant, such as small square ceramic pots, these pots may pose a challenge over time.

Tulsi plants thrive when they can spread their roots and the limited space in these small pots can lead to suffocation.

For optimal growth, it is recommended to choose – a clay pot with a size of 10-12 inches 

12 inch clay pot
12 inch clay pot
  • The porous nature of a clay pot provides the necessary space for tulsi roots to expand. 
  • Opting for a clay pot can significantly extend the plant’s lifespan, adding an extra 1 or 2 years to its vitality.

5. Not doing tilling at time:

Sometime different situations prevails like- 

  • Formation of algae on the top of soil
  • Appearing of cracks on the soil
  • Plant is not growing up to the remarkable level.

Well ! The simple reason for all these issues could be neglecting the essential practice of soil tilling.

Tilling of soil
Tilling of soil

In container gardening, soil tilling holds utmost importance. Loosening the soil before watering allows for better water absorption. This, in turn, facilitates the effective shuffling of nutrients and expedites the process of soil aeration. 

Despite its simplicity, the act of tilling has a significant impact on the overall growth of the plant.

6. Not doing regular pruning:

Well! Big myth prevails in the society that pruning of Tulsi plants should not be practised but in reality, pruning plays a vital role in promoting its growth.

“Proper pruning results in a bushier plant with healthy, elongated stems or branches”.

Pruning, when done with the right methodology, is a crucial aspect of plant care.

  • You can use your hands for pruning, ensuring that basil leaves are plucked by pinching from the tip. This technique encourages the emergence of more branches.

Regular removal of manjaris (flowers of the tulsi)

Pruning of Manjaris
Pruning of Manjaris
  • It’s essential to regularly remove the manjaris (flowers of the tulsi) because, once dried, they turn into seeds that can adversely affect the parent plant’s growth.
  • Timely removal of these flowers is crucial to prevent the plant from drying up.

7. Not feeding fertilizers:

Many visible changes in the plant  give signals that it need fertilizers like-

  • Whitening of leaves
  • Colour change of leaves
  • Plant is bending
  • Plant not becoming bushy
  • Plants is not showing any growth

Well! With the change of time the nutrition level of everything is getting depleted , hence for the soil also. So nowadays, it is a compulsive act that the plants are fed with required fertilizers at regular intervals of time without any compromise.

  • So, if there is not any concerned issue with the plant then any fertilizer like cow dung fertilizer fed once in a month is sufficient for the Tulsi plant.

Rotation of different organic fertilizers can be given here like –

  • In the first cycle if cow dung fertiliser is given then
  • Next month other fertilisers like vermicompost can be given after doing proper tilling of the soil
  • In the similar manner, next month any other fertiliser like mustard cake or any other liquid fertiliser (neem tonic) can be used.

Plants get weaker , leaves start shrinking due to lack of nutrients, hence fertilizers are important to meet the desired nutrients levels of soil.

8. Not protecting from pests attack:

Indeed, prevention is more effective than cure when it comes to safeguarding your plants from pests. 

  • Establish a routine of spraying neem leaf concoction on the plants either weekly or every 15 days. 
  • Alternatively, neem oil spray can be utilized as a preventive measure against pest attacks.

Unfortunately, some individuals neglect pest protection and only address the issue after an attack has occurred.

Treating the plants with various remedies at that point adds additional stress to the plants already dealing with the aftermath of a pest attack. 

It is more beneficial to proactively protect plants to avoid such stress and damage.

9. Not providing adequate sunlight:

Absolutely, Tulsi plant is an outdoor plant that requires –

  • a minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight and exposure to fresh, open air.

Placing it indoors where sunlight is scarce will only sustain its well-being for a few days, after which it will weaken and eventually wither.

10. Not caring in winter:

Being a summer plant, it demands additional attention during the winter season. Avoid exposing it directly to dew, cold winds or rainwater. 

  • Opt for a sheltered spot under a net where it can still receive sunlight but remains shielded from the harsh winter elements.
  • For added protection, cover the plants with plastic polythene in the evenings to guard against the cold winds, removing it the next morning when the sun is out. 
cover your tulsi plant with polythene
cover your tulsi plant with polythene in winter season during evening
  • Refrain from applying excessive fertilizer during winters, instead, use mustard cake fertiliser only at the beginning of November. 
  • Additionally, avoid using cold water for watering the Tulsi plants in winter.

Conclusion

Refrain from doing all these ten mistakes with the tulsi plant ,you ensure the longevity and well-being of your Tulsi plant.

Also read:

Grow Tulsi Plant from Seeds

Happy gardening!!

tulsi plant

FAQs on How to Water Tulsi (Holy Basil) Plant

Growing a healthy Tulsi plant involves mastering the art of watering. In this post, we will cover some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about watering Tulsi (Holy basil) plants along with their answers.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these practical tips will help you nurture a vibrant Tulsi plant at home.

FAQs on Watering Your Tulsi (Basil) Plant

Ques 1: How often should I water my Tulsi plant?

Ans: Tulsi plants prefer slightly moist soil.

  • Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
  • Depending on the climate and season, this could range from once every 2-3 days.

Ques 2: Is it better to water Tulsi in the morning or evening?

Ans: It is generally better to water Tulsi plants in the morning but you can also give water in the evening as well. 

  • This allows the plant to absorb the water throughout the day and reduces the risk of fungal diseases that can develop in cool, damp conditions at night.

Ques 3: How much water does a Tulsi plant need?

Ans: Water the tulsi plant thoroughly until water seeps out from the bottom of the pot.

  • Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.

Ques 4: Can I use a spray bottle to water my tulsi plant?

Ans: While a spray bottle can be used for misting, it is not the best for watering.

watering can

  • Use a watering can or directly pour water onto the soil to ensure the roots receive an adequate amount of moisture.

Ques 5: What should I do if the leaves are turning yellow?

Ans: Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

  • Allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings, and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
  • Yellowing could also result from nutrient deficiencies; consider using a balanced fertilizer.

Ques 6: How can I check if my Tulsi plant needs water?

Ans: Insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle.

  • If it feels dry at that depth, it is time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a day or two before checking again.

Ques 7: Should I water my tulsi plant during winter?

Ans: During the winter, Tulsi plants are generally dormant and require less water.

  • Water sparingly, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings. Be cautious not to overwater in colder months.

Remember, the specific watering needs may vary based on factors like the type of soil, climate, and the size of the pot. Observing your plant and adjusting watering accordingly is key to its well-being.

Also read:

Grow Tulsi (Holy Basil) from Seeds

Happy reading!

तुलसी के पौधे को बीज से उगायें

बीज से तुलसी का पौधा कैसे उगायें

पौधारोपण एक कला है और बीजों से पौधे की उत्पति केवल एक कुशल बागवान द्वारा ही किया जा सकता है। तुलसी सबसे प्रिय और सर्वत्र पाया जाने वाला पौधा है। इस लेख में, तुलसी के पौधे का शौक रखने प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को बीज से पौधे को उगाने में कुशल बनाने के लिए प्रत्येक प्रमुख बिन्दुओं का विवरण दिया गया है।

बीज से तुलसी उगाने के टिप्स

1. बीज से तुलसी के पौधे को उगाने के लिए सही मौसम

बीज से पौधा उगाने के लिए आदर्श तापमान 15-25 ℃ होना चाहिए। यह न तो बहुत गर्म होना चाहिए और न ही ठंडा। आदर्श रूप से, भारत में यह तापमान सीमा एक वर्ष में तीन बार आती है।

1. वसंत ऋतु (फरवरी-मार्च): विशेष रूप से उत्तर भारत क्षेत्र के लिए।

2. मानसून ऋतु ( जूनसितम्बर)

3. शरद ऋतु के दौरान (अक्टूबर नवम्बर): उत्तर भारत क्षेत्र के लिए अनुशंसित नहीं है क्योंकि इस समय यहां सर्दी जल्द ही शुरू हो जाएगी। कड़ाके की सर्दी में पौधा जीवित नहीं रह पाएगा।

2.तुलसी के पौधे को उगाने के लिए गुणवत्तापूर्ण बीज का चयन करना चाहिए 

  • तुलसी के पौधों में लगे भूरे रंग के सूखे फूलों को भी नए तुलसी के पौधे उगाने के लिए बीज के रूप में तोड़ा जा सकता है।

  • तुलसी के बीज पकने के बाद गहरे भूरे रंग के हो जाते हैं। ये बीज प्राकृतिक रूप से परिपक्व होने चाहिए तभी नए पौधे उगेंगे।
  • कभी-कभी, यदि पौधे को अतिरिक्त रसायन या उर्वरक खिलाए जाएं तो फूल परिपक्व हो जाते हैं। इसके अलावा, यदि पौधों को उचित धूप या पानी न मिले तो बीज भी सूख जाते हैं और परिपक्व हो जाते हैं, लेकिन फल नहीं देते।
  • बीज सावधानी से चुनें, तुलसी के किसी भी रैंडम पौधे से नहीं।
  • नर्सरी से या ऑनलाइन – अच्छी गुणवत्ता वाले बीज प्राप्त करने के लिए कई अलग-अलग ऑनलाइन प्लेटफ़ॉर्म उपलब्ध हैं।

3.तुलसी के बीज को उगाने का माध्यम

मिट्टी का मिश्रण

चिकनी मिट्टी में बीज नहीं पनपेंगे। तुलसी के पौधे को उगाने के लिए सर्वोत्तम मिट्टी का मिश्रण निम्न है-

1. स्थानीय मिट्टी: स्थानीय क्षेत्र की मिट्टी इकट्ठा करें, उसे छान लें, साफ करें और उसमें से सारा कूड़ा-कर्कट को हटा दें।

2. नीम की खली (नीम केक): नीम की खली का एक छोटा सा भाग मिट्टी में मिला दें।

3. कम्पोस्ट: मिट्टी की मात्रा की आधी मात्रा में कम्पोस्ट लें। यहां गाय के गोबर की कम्पोस्ट, रसोई की कम्पोस्ट या वर्मीकम्पोस्ट को प्राथमिकता दी जा सकती है।

4. नारियल का बुरादा: मिट्टी की मात्रा की आधी मात्रा में नारियल का बुरादा लें। यह मिट्टी में नमी के स्तर को लंबे समय तक बनाए रखने में मदद करता है।

5. रेत: मिट्टी का 1/4 भाग के बराबर रेत मिलाएं।

सभी सामग्रियों को अच्छी तरह मिला लें और इस प्रकार पौधे को उगाने का  माध्यम तैयार है।

4. तुलसी के बीज को बोने का तरीका

यदि आप कई बीज बोना चाहते हैं तो सीडलिंग ट्रे का चयन करें।

यदि ये ट्रे उपलब्ध नहीं हैं और आवश्यकता भी कम है तो बीज बोने के लिए गमलों का भी उपयोग किया जा सकता है। पौध बोने, अंकुरित करने और रोपने की प्रक्रिया दोनों के लिए समान है।

सीडलिंग ट्रे
  • सीडलिंग ट्रे को ऊपर तैयार की गई उगाने के माध्यम (ग्रोइंग मीडियम) से भरें और अच्छी तरह से पानी डालें। मिट्टी आसानी से बैठ जायेगी और सूखी नहीं होगी।
  • इसके बाद बीजों को ट्रे में उचित दूरी पर रखें।
  • बीजों को नारियल के बुरादे से या ऊपर तैयार मिट्टी के मिश्रण से ढक दें। नारियल का बुरादा लंबे समय तक नमी बनाए रखेगा, बार-बार पानी देने की जरूरत नहीं पड़ेगी।
  • अब, अंकुर ट्रे के शीर्ष पर थोड़ा पानी छिड़कें। हमेशा स्प्रे का प्रयोग करें, सीधे पानी न डालें अन्यथा बीज विस्थापित हो जायेंगे।
  • पानी देने में 2-3 दिन का अंतर रखें, ज्यादा पानी देने से पौधे में फंगस और बैक्टीरिया पैदा हो जाएंगे।
Watering
  • सीडलिंग ट्रे को कम तेज रोशनी वाली जगह पर रखें, सीधी धूप में नहीं, अन्यथा ऊपरी परत तेजी से सूख जाएगी और बीज अंकुरित नहीं होंगे।
  • सामान्यतः बीज को अंकुरित होने में 10-11 दिन का समय लगता है।
  • लगभग 1 महीने के बाद सभी पौधों को दूसरे गमलों में स्थानांतरित किया जा सकता है क्योंकि इस बीच वे मजबूत हो जाते हैं।

5. पौधों को अलग करने की प्रक्रिया

  • धीरे से, सीडलिंग ट्रे को नीचे से दबाएं और पौधा ट्रे से मिट्टी के साथ बाहर आ जाएगा।

  • पौधे को बड़े आकार के गमले में रखें ताकि जड़ों को फैलने के लिए उचित स्थान मिल सके।
  • नये गमले में भी उगाने का समान माध्यम माध्यम रखें। पौधे उगाने के लिए अधिमानतः उसी मिट्टी के मिश्रण और नारियल के बुरादे का उपयोग करें। उन्हें संभालते समय सावधानी बरतें क्योंकि वे बहुत नाजुक और छोटे होते हैं।

  • इन गमलों को कम से कम 3-4 दिनों तक सीधी धूप में न रखें। जब वे नए गमलों में ठीक से जम जाएं तभी उन्हें धूप दिखाएं।
  • 3-4 दिन बाद इन्हें सुबह की धूप में ही रखें। सुनिश्चित करें कि पौधे को तेज़ रोशनी में रखा जाए। यदि इसे अँधेरे में रखा जाए तो यह लंबा हो सकता है।
  • जब भी ऊपरी मिट्टी सूखी हो तब पानी दें अन्यथा नियमित रूप से पानी देने की आवश्यकता नहीं है।
  • इस समय कोई उर्वरक या खाद डालने की आवश्यकता नहीं है।
  • किसी भी स्थिति में, यदि पौधों में कोई विकास नहीं हो रहा है तो गाय के गोबर या सरसों के खली के तरल खाद में पानी से मिलाकर अच्छी तरह से पतला करके दें (तरल उर्वरक की तुलना में कम से कम 10 गुना अधिक पानी के साथ पतला करें)।

10 दिनों के बाद, पत्तियां आकार में बड़ी हो जाएंगी और सभी पौधों को दूसरे बड़े आकार के गमले में स्थानांतरित किया जा सकता है।

  • पौधों को अलग करें क्योंकि अब प्रत्येक पौधे की जड़ों को ठीक से बढ़ने के लिए स्थान की आवश्यकता होती है।
  • पौधे को अधिक घना और स्वस्थ बनाने के लिए शुरू से ही काट-छांट करनी पड़ती है।
  • जैसे ही आप पौधे पर फूल देखें, उन्हें फूलों के नीचे से तोड़ लें। यदि काट-छाँट नहीं की गई तो पौधा अधिक लम्बा हो जाएगा, घना नहीं।
Pruning

तुलसी का पौधा एक पवित्र पौधा है जिसके कई औषधीय उपयोग और अनगिनत लाभ हैं। अब आप सभी उपरोक्त निर्देशों एवं सावधानियों का पालन करते हुए अपने स्थानों पर इसकी बुआई कर सकते हैं।

तुलसी का पौधा प्रकृति का सच्चा आशीर्वाद है और हम सभी इसे आसानी से प्राप्त कर सकते हैं।

शुभ बागवानी!!

धन्यवाद !!