Description
Ocimum basilicum | (Kapoor Tulsi) Holy Basil ‘Bubblegum’
Kapoor (Ocimum basilicum) is a different variety than Rama (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Vana (Ocimum gratissimum), and Ocimum sanctum
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, Bubblegum Basil, Temperate Basil, Indian Basil, Spice Basil, Sacred Basil, Brush-leaf Tea, and Kaphrao, is a member of the mint family and is known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’ in India where its been used for 5,000 years for both religious and medicinal purposes. Holy Basil, as the name suggests, is considered to be sacred. The Hindu name for Holy Basil is Tulsi, which means the ‘incomparable one’.
This Kapoor Tulsi Basil is a superior Holy Basil strain. This green-leaved, purplish-pink flowered form is compact, and quick to flower, but becomes very full and attractive. They are distinguished from most other Basil plants by their fast-flowering nature, frost tolerance, and pronounced Tutti-frutti Bubblegum aroma (which also has hints of cloves.).
Kapoor Tulsi Basil has green oval-pointed leaves which are slightly serrated and arranged in opposite pairs on square stems that are green and slightly hairy. Flower spikes arise from the tops of the branches on green stalks with a green calyx and light purple to light pink flowers that are about ½ inch long. Makes a fantastic container plant, indoor or out, as it grows in a short bushy style that will fill any small pot. Cut it back and it will regenerate several times throughout the growing season. Very good resistance to powdery mildew. Reseeds easily, too.
If you want pollinators, this is the plant to grow- it’s a bee favorite, and butterflies and hummingbirds love it, too. It is one of our favorite plants to grow- with even the slightest brush against the leaves, a wonderfully intoxicating bubblegum aroma floats around the garden. Long loved by humans, but disliked by most wildlife including deer and rabbits.
Holy Basil is rich in several important nutrients, most notably vitamin A, vitamin C. It also contains high concentrations of carotenoids like beta carotene, and these substances are converted to vitamin A within the body. It may be a good source of iron, potassium, and magnesium depending on what it can extract from your soil. Bubblegum Basil is classified as an adaptogenic herb (tonic herb) that helps support one’s natural immune system, relieves stress, and helps restore balance and bring the body back to its normal function. Other uses of holy basil are to lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, provide protection from bacterial and viral infections, promote wound healing, and reduce inflammation. Many alternative practitioners recommend consuming some as a tea, tincture or capsule every day to help promote good health. It is sometimes called “hot basil” when used for cooking because of its bitter, spicy taste.
Holy Basil can easily be grown indoors in pots all year around to ensure a continuous supply of fresh leaves throughout the winter.
If you grow nothing else this year this should be your one plant.
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 12-18 inches
Mature width: 12 inches
Hardiness zones: Annual. Perennial in zones 10+.
