How to Plant Thiruneetru Pachilai (Sweet Basil) Saplings

• Choose a sunny location with good air circulation and well-drained fertile soil.
• If planting outdoors, loosen the soil and dig a hole a little larger than the root ball.
• For container growing, use a 12-inch wide and 12-inch deep (1 ft x 1 ft) pot or grow bag with adequate drainage.
• Fill with soft, nutrient rich soil, gently place the sapling and cover roots without too much compression.
• Water well after planting and situate in a location where it receives plenty of sun.
• Pinch the top growing tips early to encourage branching and a bushier plant.

Thiruneetru Pachilai (Sweet Basil) Plant Care

Temperature

The plant thrives in warm conditions 20°C to 32°C, it does not tolerate frost.

Soil

Favors a rich soil that drains well and is high in the contents of organic matter.

Water

Water regularly to keep the soil a little moist, but do not overwater. Make the soil dry a little on top between two waterings.

Sunlight

5–6 hours of direct sunlight a day are necessary for a strong aroma and robust leaves.

Pruning

Regularly pinch off flowers and long shoots to force leafy, bushy growth. Dried or yellowing leaves may be taken off.

Care

Low-maintenance herb; thrives with just an occasional trim and some sun.

Fertilizer

Apply organic compost or a liquid fertilizer every 20–30 days in the growing season.

Pest Control

If bitten by aphids or whiteflies, spray a solution of neem oil diluted with water or any organic herbal pesticide.

Potting Mix for the Thiruneetru Pachilai (Sweet Basil) Plant

• Ideal mix includes:
  • Garden soil (40%)
  • Cocopeat (30%)
  • Organic compost (30%)
• Add neem cake powder to prevent root fungus and soil pests.
• Soil should remain soft and breathable for healthy root development.

Uses of Thiruneetru Pachilai (Great / Sweet Basil) Plant

• It is said to have antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
• Soothes Cold, Cough, Sore Throat and Slight Fever.
• Good for the digestion, the appetite and in gastric pain.
• Promotes a calm mind, relieves tension, and boosts the immune system.
• It benefits the respiratory, digestive, immune and nervous systems.
• Popular component of herbal teas, syrups, essential oils and skin-care formulations.
• Also found in many dishes of local cuisines — particularly Italian, Thai and fusion — where it is combined with sauces, salads, pasta and soups.
• You can use the leaves fresh or dried in seasoning blends.
• You can eat it fresh, dried, or steep it in teas and dishes.
• For long term use in medicine or doses higher than the usual, consult a doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Benefits of Thiruneetru Pachilai (Sweet Basil) Plant

• Enhances natural immunity and promotes healthy breathing.
• Soothes digestion and strengthens the digestive tract.
• Acts as natural antidepressant and relaxant.
• Fragrant culinary herb suitable for kitchen.
• Grow your own herbs with this simple collection, ideal for kitchen, balcony or windowsill gardening.

FAQ

What are the main applications of Thiruneetru Pachilai?

Sweet Basil leaves are a natural ingredient in cooking, herbal teas and traditional medicines aiding digestion, colds and stress.

Is Sweet Basil easy to grow at home?

Yes, the plant can be grown in pots or in the ground outdoors if you have a sunny spot and you keep the soil moist.

How many hours of sun per day does Great Basil like?

A minimum of 5–6 hours of direct sunlight exposure for Sweet Basil is necessary for it to keep fresh and fragrant.

How much to water Sweet Basil?

When the topsoil is dry – the plant favours moist soil but needs good drainage.

Is Thiruneetru Pachilai good for indoor cultivation?

Yes, it can be grown indoors on a bright, well-ventilated windowsill.

Is Sweet Basil edible? Can Sweet Basil be used in cooking?

Of course — it is a regular ingredient in pasta, salads, soups, chutneys and herbal tea for its taste and health benefits.

Is Sweet Basil good for cold and cough?

Yes, it does, as Sweet Basil leaves possess anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which provide relief from irritated throats and common cold symptoms.

How tall does a sweet basil plant get?

With appropriate care, Sweet Basil can grow to be 1 to 2 feet tall and regular pruning will stimulate branching and make the plant bushier.

Can I propagate this plant by cuttings?

Yes, basil can be grown from cuttings in water or simply in moist soil.

From where can I order Sweet Basil plants online?

You can buy a fresh and healthy Sweet Basil plant from BharathGreens, and have it safely delivered to your home.

Does Sweet Basil plant flower?

Yes, Sweet Basil does have flowers which are small white or purple, and pinching them allows the plant to sprout more leaves.

How long should a Sweet Basil plant live?

Sweet Basil is an annual herb and its growing cycle lasts from 8 to 12 months depending on weather conditions and care level.

Can Basil leaves be dried for later use?

Yes, Basil leaves can be dried in the sun or by air and then stored in airtight containers to use for cooking or tea.

Is Sweet Basil a medicinal herb?

Yes, Sweet Basil has a variety of health benefits, including its anti-stress, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar balancing characters.

Is Sweet Basil good for digestion?

Yes, Basil leaves, or Basil tea, is known for treating stomach discomfort, distention and indigestion.

Do insects eat Basil plants?

Aphids or whiteflies occasionally but are easily kept away using neem oil spray or soap solution.

Can I grow Sweet Basil in monsoon season?

It can be grown in good drainage monsoon soil but must be protected from excess water to prevent fungus.

How can I make Basil tea?

Place 3-4 leaves into hot water, let rest 3-5 minutes, then enjoy with honey.

Does Basil have benefits for the skin?

Yes, crushed Basil leaves or Basil oil can reduce acne, itching and inflammation of the skin due to antibacterial effects.

Alternate Names

 

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum (Also known as Sweet Basil)

Basil plant in Tamil as Thiruneetru Pachilai Plant (திருநீற்றுப் பச்சிலை);

Basil plant in Hindi as Vilayati Tulsi plant (विलायती तुलसी पौधा);

Basil plant in Malayalam as Seema Thulasi plant (സീമ തുളസി ചെടി);

Basil plant in Telugu as Vilayati Tulasi Mokka (విలాయతి తులసి మొక్క);

Basil plant in Kannada as Vilayati Tulasi Gida (ವಿಲಾಯತಿ ತುಳಸಿ ಗಿಡ).

Common Names:

• Great Basil
• Sweet Basil
• Italian Basil
• Lemon Basil (variety)
• Thai Basil (variety)