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Ocimum basilicum ‘Lemon’ (Lemon Basil)

Lemon Basil, Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum, Ocimum × citriodorum

Ocimum basilicum 'Lemon', Lemon Basil, Lemon Basil, Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum, Ocimum × citriodorum

Aptly named, Ocimum basilicum ‘Lemon’ (Lemon Basil) is an upright, bushy annual with aromatic, intensely citrus-scented, bright green leaves. In summer, attractive spikes of lemon-scented, small white flowers arranged in whorls bloom on long, light green bracts. Prized for its refreshing and subtly sweet citrus fragrance, Lemon Basil is best suited as a finishing element and can be used in both raw and cooked applications. The leaves can be tossed into salads, minced into dips and vinaigrettes, or stirred into beverages, including cocktails, iced tea, and lemonade. Lemon Basil can also be rubbed over meats and mixed into rice, pasta, or noodle bowls. Lemon basil is highly perishable, losing flavor after a couple of days, and will keep up to three days when loosely wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.

  • Grows up to 24 in. tall and wide (60 cm).
  • Performs best in light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Water freely in summer. Basil is extremely frost sensitive.
  • Harvest mature leaves for fresh use at any time.
  • Although Basil naturally repels mosquitoes and flies, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
  • Basil is a valuable addition to the vegetable garden and an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, parsley, lettuce, asparagus, beans, beets, cabbage, eggplant, marigolds, potatoes, or oregano. Avoid planting Basil near Rue (Ruta graveolens) and Sage (Salvia officinalis).
  • While Basil makes a colorful and flavorful addition to many dishes, it can also provide some health benefits. Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and essential oils. However, all these great compounds disappear during the process of drying, so opt for fresh basil whenever possible to enjoy the most benefits. Basil can help reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure, fight free radicals, and reduce high blood sugar levels. Basil has antibacterial properties.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and powdery mildews. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Pinch out flowerheads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. Cut back after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors.

Basil: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting

Learn how to plant, grow and harvest basil and add flavor to your favorite recipes


Read More

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ocimum basilicum lettuce leaf, Lettuce Leaf Basil, Ocimum basilicum 'Lettuce Leaved', Large Leaf Basil, Big Basil Leaves, Large Basil Leaves
Ocimum 'African Blue', African Blue Basil, Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum
Ocimum basilicum 'Lime', Lime Basil, Ocimum × africanum 'Lime',
Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora, Thai Basil, Anise Basil, Licorice Basil, Liquorice Basil
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum 'Greek', Greek Basil, Ocimum minimum, Ocimum basilicum 'Bush', Ocimum basilicum var. minimum
Ocimum basilicum 'Everleaf Emerald Towers', Everleaf Emerald Towers Basil, Sweet Basil

Recommended Companion Plants

Borago Officinalis,  Borage, Cool Tankard, Talewort, Tailwort, Blue flowers
Matricaria recutita, Scented Mayweed, German Chamomile, Horse Gowan, Sweet False Chamomile, Wild Chamomile, Drought tolerant perennials, White perennial flowers,
Allium sativum, Garlic, Churl's Treacle, Clown's Treacle, Common Garlic, Poor Man's Treacle
Origanum vulgare, Oregano, Wild Marjoram, English Marjoram, Grove Marjoram , Pot Marjoram, Wintersweet
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Guides with
Ocimum
Not sure which Ocimum to pick?
Compare Now

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