Home › Holy Basil (Tulsi) › Grow in Virginia

Can You Grow Holy Basil (Tulsi) in Virginia?

US · USDA Zone 7a · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

10a–11b

Virginia last frost

early March

Virginia first frost

late November

Days to harvest

45–60 days

When to plant Holy Basil (Tulsi)s in Virginia

Start indoors

Feb 7

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

Apr 21 – May 6

Dates are approximate, based on Virginia'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 Virginia

Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.