I am going to do a bit of raving in this post. I have a new favorite herb, probably in my top ten for all time. It is Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil. I grew my plants from seed. It has been a fabulous addition to my potted herb garden. It is growing even now, ten inches tall, after another mid-summer sowing. The heat never bothered it, if anything, it grew even faster than the plants I sowed in Spring. 

I am including the back of the Botanical Interest Seed Packet. I love the thorough information this company gives you on the packet.

Design-wise, there is none better. Botanical Interest seeds can be ordered online. They are available in some garden centers too; I sometimes drive 45 minutes to visit a nursery in our area that has an extensive display of Botanical Interest seeds each year. 

Back to the Tulsi, this herb, combined with Lemon Balm and Spearmint, has become a favorite to brew as mid-afternoon tea. It has alleviated a nagging, if small, physical problem I was fighting. It also elevates my mood when I drink it, and even when I rub the leaves to release the scent, I feel an almost instant uplift. They definitely recharge me a bit. Best of all they are a plant that loves to grow. The only drawback is they form flowers and seeds quickly too, but this can be postponed by constant pinching of the top leaves. (And you can use those pinchings in tea. )

I sowed another batch two days ago. If you look closely you can see they are ready to break free from the seeds and show green against the seed starter. 

Cuttings readily rooted in a perlite and soil mix. One cutting began to grow so fast I had to open the plastic bag and pinch it already. 

A sprig also rooted very well in a vase of water. Oh my, what a plant. I hope this amazing herb has been included in global seed vaults. There is nothing flimsy about this plant, it is a bushy, blue-green beauty. I really recommend growing Tulsi. You will be love it in so many ways.

Holy Basil dried fairly well for me, although it lost a portion of its amazing scent.