The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Holy basil doesnt make your pesto divine.
It isnt even the same species of sweetbasilused in your favorite Italian dishes.
If you do happen to find holy basil for sale, be sure you have the correct species.
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Either way, the methods of caring for both are similar.
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Light
Giving holy basil plenty of sunlight will ensure large healthy leaves.
This plant will tolerate some shade, but anything more than dappled shade and you will notice a decline.
The idealsoil typeis light and airy but rich at the same time.
Asilty loamis a good choice because it retains some moisture but drains well.
This rule applies to growing the plant indoors or outdoors.
If your local temperature is above this year-round, holy basil will act as a perennial.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing any herb is not recommended.
When you fertilize an herb, foliage grows quickly in response to the fertilizer and profuse flowering occurs.
So it’s best to skip the fertilizer.
Sow seeds in a good quality seed starting mix.
Using a heat mat will increase the speed and germination rate.
Placing a fan to circulate air over the seedlings will produce stronger plants.
Propagating holy basilfrom cuttings is an easy task.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and place the cutting in water, changing the water frequently.
Wait till roots develop and then transplant into good quality potting soil.
