Tulsi Cultivation in India

Table of Contents

• Tulsi Farming in India: An overview
• Types of Tulsi Grown in India
• Steps to Tulsi Cultivation
  • Soil & Climate
  • Land Preparation
  • Nursery & Propagation
  • Irrigation
  • Manure & Fertilizer Management
  • Intercultural Operations
  • Harvesting & Post Harvesting

Tulsi Farming in India: An Overview

Tulsi (also known as Ocimum sanctum or holy basil) is an aromatic plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to Southeast Asian countries of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Revered in Hinduism, Tulsi is considered sacred and is commonly worshipped in homes and temples. Its history can be traced as far back as 5000 years ago, with mentions in ancient Vedic and Ayurvedic texts highlighting its role as a medicinal plant for various health conditions. In addition to Ayurveda, the Tulsi plant has been linked to a number of therapeutic benefits in Greek, Roman, and Unani medical traditions. Indian Tulsi is particularly distinguishable from other basil species due to its distinct aroma and fuzziness of young branches and leaves. Today, tulsi is highly valued in modern medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Types of Tulsi Grown in India

India is home to more than 100 different varieties of Tulsi. However, four major types of Tulsi grown in India include Rama Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi, Vana Tulsi and Kapoor Tulsi.

Steps to Tulsi Cultivation

Here is a step-by-step guide to successful Tulsi cultivation in India.

Soil and Climate

Tulsi is a highly resilient crop which is adaptable to a wide variety of soils. However, for optimum growth, the plant requires well drained, rich loam, poor laterite soil. Highly saline or alkaline soil can hinder plant growth. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.

The plant requires a warm climate for growth. Sub-tropical climatic conditions are considered most suitable for tulsi. The germination for the seed needs a temperature of 20° C, whereas an average temperature of 27°C is required during the growing period.

Land Preparation

The land selected for Tulsi farming should be brought to a fine tilth. Plough and harrow the land several times and mix FYM in the soil. It is preferable to add 15 tonnes of farmyard manure per hectare during the preparation of land and mixed well in the soil.

Nursery & Propagation

Tulsi can either be propagated by seeds or by plant cuttings.

Nursery Raising: For propagating it through seeds, they are to be sown in the nursery beds. The nursery should be located preferably in partial shade with adequate facilities for irrigation. Soil is worked up to a depth of about 30 cm. Farmyard manure (20 tonnes per hectare) is applied to the soil and prepared to a fine tilth and seed beds of 4.5x1.0x0.2 m size are prepared. The required quantity of seeds is mixed with sand in the ratio of 1:4 and sown in nursery bed, 2 months in advance of the onset of monsoon. They germinate in 8-12 days and seedlings are ready for transplanting in about 6 weeks’ time at 4-5 leaf stage.        

Vegetative propagation: For this method, cuttings measuring 10–15 cm in length and containing 8–10 nodes are selected. All leaves are trimmed off except for the top 2–3 pairs. These prepared cuttings are then planted in well-prepared nursery beds or polythene bags. Rooting typically completes within 4–6 weeks, after which the plants are ready for transplanting into the main field. Transplanting is done at a spacing of 40 cm, both between and within rows.

Irrigation

Irrigation is provided twice a week for one month so that the plants establish themselves well. Later, it is given at a weekly interval depending upon the rainfall and soil moisture status. Drip irrigation is the highly preferred method of irrigation for Tulsi farming, as it reduces the risk of foliar diseases. On average, the plant may require 12 – 15 irrigation cycles throughout the year.

Manure & Fertilizer Management

During land preparation, apply FYM i.e. farmyard manure and mix well with soil. Apply fertilizer dose in the form of Nitrogen@48kg, Potash@24kg and Phosphorus@24kg/acre in form of Urea@104kg, MOP@40kg and SSP@150kg/acre. Apply half dose of nitrogen and full dose of phosphate pentoxide applied as a basal dose. This should be done during transplanting, Mn@50ppm conc. and Co@100ppm conc. are to be applied as micronutrients. The remaining dose of Nitrogen is applied in 2 split after first and second cutting.

Intercultural Operations

The first weeding is done one month after planting and the second after another 30 days. Afterwards, no further weeding is required as the plants become bushy and cover the soil and thereby smother the weeds. However, after each harvest, weeding should be done so as to avoid weed growth in the interspaces, if any.

Harvesting and Post harvesting

Plants start yielding 3 months after transplantation. Harvesting is done when there is a full blooming period. For further regeneration of branches cutting should be done when the plant is at least 15cm above the ground.  Leaves are used fresh or it is sun dried for future use. Also, for Basil oil extraction, after harvesting, the drying of leaves is done which is followed by steam distillation.