Lemon Basil brings a refreshing citrus flavor to seafood, pasta, and vegetables. This low-growing specialty basil variety features medium, pointed leaves with a delightful lemon fragrance. Hardy and early maturing, Lemon Basil is ready to harvest sooner than most commercial strains.
A hybrid of African basil and common basil, Lemon Basil is widely cultivated in northeastern Africa and southern Asia. Known for its strong lemon scent, it is a staple in Lao, Persian, Arabian, Indonesian, and Thai cuisines. Like other types of basil, its origins trace back to India and ancient Persia. Basil has a rich history, revered for its culinary, medicinal, and symbolic properties. In many cultures, it symbolizes love and is often given as a token of affection or engagement. It has also been associated with protection, truth, and even healing powers. Contrastingly, Greek and Roman traditions linked basil with misfortune and hate, prompting gardeners to shout at their plants, believing it encouraged growth. Despite its mixed reputation, English royalty favored basil for its culinary and cosmetic uses, earning it the title of “the king of herbs.” Basil was commonly grown in English gardens, loved for its scent, and used to freshen the air in homes. Medicinally, basil oil has been used to treat depression, anxiety, colds, sore throats, and insect bites. However, medicinal doses are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use remains safe.
Transplanting Seedlings:
- Timing: Transplant Lemon Basil seedlings outdoors once the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F, and there is no risk of frost. Basil is sensitive to cold temperatures, so ensure the conditions are warm.
- Preparation: Select a location with rich, well-draining soil and full sun exposure (6-8 hours of sunlight daily). Add compost or well-aged manure to the soil to improve fertility.
- Spacing: Space seedlings 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and room for growth. If planting in rows, leave 18-24 inches between rows.
- Planting Depth: Carefully remove seedlings from their pots and plant them at the same depth they were growing in the containers. Avoid burying the stems too deeply.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after transplanting to help the plants establish. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as Lemon Basil prefers slightly moist conditions.
- Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed growth.
- Pinching: To encourage bushier growth, pinch off the top set of leaves a week or two after transplanting. This will also delay flowering and extend the harvest period.
Growing: Lemon Basil thrives in well-drained soil and requires frequent watering. Protect the plants if temperatures fall below 50°F. Regular pruning encourages a bushy, healthy plant and prevents early flowering, which leads to decline. To prune, remove the top few sets of leaves from each stem, leaving at least three sets of leaves on the lower portion for continued growth.
Harvesting: Begin harvesting leaves once the plant reaches a height of 6-8 inches. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. Regular harvesting boosts production, but leaves may turn bitter if the plant flowers. Pick single leaves or portions of stems as needed, always leaving three sets of leaves on the stem to sustain growth. Pinch off stems just above the next set of leaves for optimal results. Fresh basil keeps well for several days at room temperature when placed in a glass of water. Refrigeration may cause it to wilt or brown. Basil freezes and dries well; due to its high water content, a dehydrator, oven, or other warm, dry method is best for preventing mold during drying.
Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum
Type: Open Pollinated, Warm Season
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Planting Method: From Transplant
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 24 Inches
Color: Green
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Aromatic
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