The Sacred Indian Tulsi (Basil) and its Profitable Cultivation

Originated in India, Basil or the Indian sacred Tulsi is an annual herb and is mainly related to the Italian cuisine. Basil plant types can be ranging from spicy exotic flavors to sour lemony texture and flavor. In India the basil is termed as tulsi and is thought to be a holy plant. The holy basil or tulsi is used in worshipping the Gods and Goddess in India. Scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum, the plant is mostly cultivated in sunny and warm weather conditions. Basically the Basil leaves are green in color, but can range from purple to blackish in color.

Growing basil can be a profitable business because of its demand due to its exotic and spicy flavor and the aroma it brings to the food. To grow basil, it is necessary to know the climatic conditions and the best type of basil to choose for.
 

For choosing a basil plant, one can go to an herb speciality store, where the specialist can instruct on which type of basil is good for cultivation. Although one can go for cultivating all types of basil plants and see the result. Some suggested varieties are Genovese, Mexican Spice, Finissimo Verde a Palla, Lemon and Red Rubin. Holy basil, as is believed in India likes a well drained soil texture. So, the first criterion for basil cultivation is to select a place where water puddles are not there.

The soil can be compost or simply the garden soil can also do. Small basil plants which have been pregrown from seeds in pots should be removed with care so that the roots do not get stretched. Simply dig a hole twice the root length and width and put the plant deep upto the root base, fill with soil and press gently soaking the place with some water.
 

Remember the basil plant is a heat loving plant and if you live in a frost fall zone, be sure to grow basil over the time frost season starts to end. That will assure its good growth. So, if you are growing basil from seeds put them in pots indoor and bring the tine plants out when winter sets to end. When the plant starts to grow, take extreme care not to water the plant from the top as it can damage the tender leaves, rather water it from the base. If you are looking for the leaves and not for the flowers, here are some basil growing tips for more profit. At the time of maturity, the basil plant will start to bloom flowers but it will decrease the flavor of the leaves. So, remember to cut off the flower tips so that the leaves continue to grow.
 

If you are thinking how to grow basil leaves to its peak and get the most out of it, here are some tips to harvest. Harvesting basil quite often in two to three weeks is the ideal process for harvesting. When the basil plant develops three sets of leaves it is the ideal time for harvesting. Just pluck off the leaves with the set of three way leaves and you are doing right. If the plant is growing bigger and producing less leaves, it is advised to cut the plant in the middle, so that stems flourish from down the cut part. Besides using it for aroma, basil is also used as a herb and medicine.

The basil herb is used to help blood clot in an injury. Also it is used to help increase stomach metabolism and preventing tetanus. Growing basil with proper care and harvesting at correct time makes the plant grow more leaves. So, tulsi or the holy basil is a good herb to start cultivation for novice and gardeners, as long as it is kept watered, warm and sheltered.
 


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