Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 1.8 - 2.5m
Position: Sun / part shade
Soil preference: Well drained

Tulsi Vana is the largest and hardiest of the three main Tulsi varieties used in Ayurvedic herbalism. Also known as Wild Tulsi, Clove Basil or African Basil, this impressive perennial shrub can reach up to 2.5 metres tall, forming a dense, aromatic hedge in warm climates. Unlike Rama and Krishna Tulsi, Vana is a true perennial that grows year-round in subtropical and tropical conditions, making it ideal for Australian gardens from the Gold Coast northward.

The soft, slightly fuzzy emerald-green leaves carry a warm aroma often described as a blend of clove, cinnamon and licorice. This comes from the plant's essential oil profile, which is high in eugenol, the same compound found in cloves. The leaves and flowers are traditionally used to make Tulsi tea, one of the most popular wellness teas in Ayurvedic practice. Vana Tulsi produces a smooth, rounded flavour that blends well with other Tulsi varieties or herbs like ginger, lemon balm and cinnamon.

In the Garden
Tulsi Vana thrives in a sunny to partly shaded position with well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and responds well to regular pruning, which encourages bushy growth and extends the leaf harvest. Prune half the bush at a time to keep flowers available for bees and pollinators. In subtropical Australia it grows as a vigorous perennial and works well as a productive hedge or feature shrub. Protect from frost. Easy to propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings or seed (seeds need strong sunlight to germinate).

Traditional and Culinary Uses
In Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi is known as the "Queen of Herbs" and has been traditionally used for thousands of years to support general wellbeing, respiratory health and the body's natural stress response. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for tea, and also sparingly as a culinary herb with a distinctive clove-like warmth. In West Africa, where it is native, the leaves are widely used to flavour soups, rice dishes and stews. Dried leaves can also be placed among stored grains or in the garden to help deter insects.

Why Grow Vana Tulsi?
A productive, low-maintenance perennial that doubles as an attractive garden shrub. Year-round fresh leaves for tea, beneficial pollinators in the garden, and a beautiful warm fragrance. It pairs perfectly with our other Tulsi varieties, Tulsi Rama and Tulsi Krishna, or try blending all three for a traditional Tulsi tea. We also stock Dried Tulsi Tea if you'd like to try the flavour first.

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants

You will receive
- 1 Tulsi Vana Basil Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Ocimum gratissimum

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.