Holy Basil Plant 'Krishna' (Ocimum sanctum)
Best aromatic herb for wellness-focused container gardeners.
Experience the sacred 'Krishna' Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a plant revered in India for centuries. Valued in Ayurvedic medicine, it's believed to foster stress reduction and mental clarity. Its aromatic, clove-scented leaves are perfect for brewing your own calming herbal tea, earning it the title "elixir of life." Young plants are green, developing a rich purple hue as they mature. This perennial herb thrives in full sun and is ideal for container gardening, bringing tranquility and fragrance to any space.
$12.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2656
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
SKU
81054
/ H-
Who it's for
- Wellness seekers interested in traditional Ayurvedic adaptogens
- Gardeners looking for striking, dark-foliaged ornamental plants
- Culinary enthusiasts wanting spicy, clove-scented herbs for tea
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in regions with harsh, frosty winters
- Low-maintenance owners who prefer hands-off plant care
- Indoor growers who struggle with common houseplant pest management
Performance breakdown
Culinary Versatility
Clove-scented leaves provide a distinct, aromatic base for fresh herbal teas.
Container Adaptability
Compact growth habit makes it perfectly suited for small-space patio gardening.
Visual Appeal
Striking purple foliage transition adds significant ornamental value to any collection.
Ease of Maintenance
Requires consistent sun and warmth, demanding attention to specific climate needs.
Wellness Utility
Highly regarded in Ayurvedic tradition for promoting mental clarity and calm.
Growth Potential
Modest stature limits yield, requiring multiple plants for frequent tea harvests.
Key Specs
SKU
H8105-4
Pot Size
4", 2.5"
Grows To
8-16 inches
Bloom Season
Summer
Minimum Indoor Temperatures
60°F
Hardiness Zone
10
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Features
- Sacred plant with Ayurvedic benefits
- Promotes stress reduction and mental clarity
- Clove-scented foliage for herbal tea
- Leaves mature to a purple color
- Easy to grow in containers
- Fragrant foliage adds aroma
- Suitable for full sun exposure
- Perennial herb with shrub-like growth
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Holy Basil 'Krishna' for its exceptional quality and authenticity. Reviewers consistently report plants arrive healthy, vibrant, and expertly packaged, often exceeding expectations for live shipping. The variety is confirmed true to type, valued for its potent aroma and rich purple color. Buyers appreciate the immediate vigor and rapid adaptation, suggesting mature, robust starter plants. A key positive theme is the plant's immediate utility for tea and culinary use upon arrival. While minor initial size concerns exist, they are quickly overshadowed by vigorous recovery and growth, reinforcing the perception of a premium, high-quality specimen and high trust in Logee's propagation.
Know before you buy
A healthy plant will have vibrant leaves that transition from green to a rich purple as they mature. Ensure the plant is kept in a spot with full sun and temperatures above 60°F to maintain its vigor.
Yes, it is well-suited for container gardening. Because it requires a minimum temperature of 60°F, you should keep it in a sunny indoor location or move it inside before temperatures drop in the fall.
You can harvest leaves once the plant is established by pinching them off near a leaf node to encourage bushier growth. The leaves are best used fresh for tea, where they provide a distinct, clove-like aroma and flavor.
Like most herbs, it thrives in well-draining potting mix. Since it is grown in containers, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied during the active growing season will help support its shrub-like development.
The Krishna Holy Basil typically reaches a mature height of 8 to 16 inches. Its compact, shrub-like growth habit makes it an excellent choice for windowsills or small patio containers.
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$13