Tulsi, Amrita

Amrita Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Amrita Tulsi is the true Indian perennial holy basil—the most widely revered and cultivated tulsi species in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Native to the Indian subcontinent, Ocimum tenuiflorum (also known as Ocimum sanctum) is a shrubby, highly aromatic basil with purple stems, green leaves tinged with violet, and reddish-purple flowers that bloom generously across the warm season. It is the dominant tulsi type grown in India and represents the deeply spiritual and medicinal lineage of this sacred plant.

Key Characteristics

• The Original Indian Tulsi Species
  Unlike temperate tulsi or Vana tulsi, Amrita Tulsi (O. tenuiflorum) is genetically distinct and traditionally used throughout India. It grows as an open-form, shrubby perennial in frost-free climates, reaching up to 4 feet tall. 
• Rich in Eugenol and Rosmarinic Acid
  Amrita Tulsi contains high concentrations of eugenol (anti-inflammatory, aromatic) and rosmarinic acid (antioxidant, neuroprotective). This makes it particularly well-suited for herbal tea, tinctures, and stress-relief formulations. The essential oil is deeply fragrant—warm, spicy, and clove-like.
• Traditional Ayurvedic Uses
  In Ayurveda, tulsi is known as "The Incomparable One". It has been used for millennia to support the nervous system, heart, and immune system, with traditional indications including stress, anxiety, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Daily use as a morning tea is a cherished ritual across India.
• Sacred, Ecological, and Beneficial in the Garden
  This tulsi attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and emits a potent aroma that can deter garden pests—making it a valuable companion plant. Its sacred status makes it a wonderful addition to a home altar garden or the herbaceous layer of a food forest.

Product Details

• Latin Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum)
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial in Zones 10–12; grown as an annual elsewhere
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Mature Height: Up to 4 feet
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to frost
• Bloom Color: Reddish-purple
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Perennial in Zones 10+, annual in cooler climates

This is the true tulsi of Ayurvedic tradition—deeply aromatic, richly medicinal, and spiritually grounding. A must-grow for herbalists, tea lovers, and those seeking to build a garden with intention and healing at its center.

Grow your town Triple Tulsi blend when you also plant temperate tulsi and vana tulsi!