How to Grow Tulasi Plant in Pot

Tulasi or Holy Basil is an important plant in Hindu culture due to its religious and medicinal values. It is a popular garden plant and can be easily grown in pots. In this article, we will discuss how to grow Tulasi plant in pot.

Choose the Right Pot

The first step in growing Tulasi plant in pot is to choose the right pot. The pot should be spacious, at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. It should have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to flow out. Plastic or terracotta pots are the best for growing Tulasi plant.

Prepare the Soil

The soil for growing Tulasi plant should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. You can use a mixture of garden soil, compost, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio. Mix the soil well before filling the pot. Tulasi plant prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil, so you can add a little lime to the soil if it is too acidic.

Planting the Tulasi Seeds

You can start the Tulasi plant from seeds or cuttings. If you are starting from seeds, sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, and gently press them with your fingers. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and water the pot gently. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny area, and water it regularly. The seeds will germinate in 7-14 days.

Watering the Tulasi Plant

Tulasi plant needs regular watering, but over-watering can be harmful. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not let the soil dry completely between watering. Water the plant gently, avoiding the leaves, as wet leaves can cause fungal diseases. Avoid splashing water on the leaves during watering.

Fertilizing the Tulasi Plant

Tulasi plant needs regular feeding to grow well. You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also use organic fertilizers like compost or cow dung. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, and reduce the frequency in winter.

Pruning the Tulasi Plant

Pruning the Tulasi plant is important to keep it in shape and to promote bushy growth. Pinch off the tips of the plant when it reaches a height of 6 inches. This will make the plant bushy and prevent it from becoming leggy. You can also remove the flowers as they appear, as the plant will divert its energy towards seed production and stop growing.

Harvesting the Tulasi Leaves

You can start harvesting the Tulasi leaves after 2-3 months of planting. Harvest the leaves from the top of the plant, leaving 2-3 pairs of leaves on the stem. This will ensure that the plant continues to grow and produce more leaves. Use the fresh leaves immediately, or dry them for later use.

In Conclusion

Growing Tulasi plant in pot is easy and rewarding. With the right pot, soil, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and harvesting techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of this wonderful plant in your home garden.