I love Tulsi, but I also got some bad experienced with them, especially seedling. so I prefer plant from seeds. In my place, they do not like to be disturbed, so I direct-sowing.
Growing them with in pot with other companion plants is also possible, since companion plants helps to control over-watering situation in my tropical clime that is so humid. I grow some with begonia, few sprinkled in any pots of other plants, and whenever they survive I'll keep them.
Do try some seeds