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Ocimum basilicum ‘Lime’ (Lime Basil)

Lime Basil, Ocimum × africanum 'Lime'
Ocimum basilicum 'Lime', Lime Basil, Ocimum × africanum 'Lime',

Ocimum basilicum ‘Lime’ (Lime Basil) is a short-lived bushy perennial, often grown as an annual culinary herb. The aromatic, smooth, bright green, teardrop-shaped leaves are smaller than common sweet basil. They have a strong, sweet, citrusy scent and a mild yet zesty, peppery-lime flavor. Spikes of tiny white flowers appear at the tops of the stems in summer and early fall. Use Lime Basil in place of common sweet basil for a zesty twist on any recipe. Whole leaves can be added to sandwiches, green or fruit salads, pizzas, or tarts, while sprigs of Lime Basil can be added to beverages or muddled in cocktails. While it is primarily used for culinary purposes, Lime Basil is also grown as an ornamental and is even used as a natural insect repellent.

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 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 softwood cuttings.

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

Allium sativum, Garlic, Churl's Treacle, Clown's Treacle, Common Garlic, Poor Man's Treacle
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,
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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