Home › Holy Basil (Tulsi) › Grow in Nova Scotia

Can You Grow Holy Basil (Tulsi) in Nova Scotia?

Canada · Canadian Zone 6 · zones 5, 6

Won't grow here

Tulsi is frost-tender but thrives as a container herb on any sunny windowsill year-round.

Plant zones

10a–11b

Nova Scotia last frost

early April

Nova Scotia first frost

late October

Days to harvest

45–60 days

When to plant Holy Basil (Tulsi)s in Nova Scotia

Start indoors

Mar 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

May 16 – May 31

Dates are approximate, based on Nova Scotia's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy basil (tulsi) is one of the most sacred plants in Hinduism and a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine. The clove-pepper flavoured leaves are used in Indian cooking, teas, and as a medicinal herb. Grows happily in a pot on a sunny windowsill in any climate.

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Grow in a sunny window year-round in cold climates. Harvest before flowering to maintain flavour. Pinch flower buds regularly. Three varieties worth growing: Rama (mild), Krishna (purple, spicier), Vana (wild-type, very aromatic).

Full holy basil (tulsi) growing guide →

Gardening in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a maritime climate moderated by the Atlantic. Most of the province is Zone 5b-6a; the Annapolis Valley is Zone 6a-6b and one of Canada's premier apple-growing regions.