Lemon Basil (Ocimum Basilicum Citriodorum) - This winning Basil offers a different scent - pure, clean, citrus-lemon, and it's easily grown from Basil seeds! Basil is an indispensable flavoring, and it's used around the world. Pick the leaves and use them fresh or dried in herb vinegars and with chicken, fish, vegetables and soups. There are really no rules when using Basil in the kitchen! You can also use Lemon Basil plants in the garden as a companion plant to repel aphids, mites, and tomato hornworms.

Lemon Basil herb plants are upright, bushy and grow 26 inches high and 10 to 14 inches wide. The narrow, ovate, light green leaves reach 2 inches long. Small blooms of white flowers are followed by lemon-scented seeds. Basil is at its most flavorful when fresh. The best time to harvest is just as the plant starts to set flower buds, well before flowers bloom. For harvesting, cut stems just before flowers open, strip leaves and use fresh, or dry on tray in dark, airy place. Leaves may be frozen.

How To Grow Lemon Basil From Herb Seed: Sow Basil seeds in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. For areas with short growing seasons, start herb seeds indoors 4 - 8 weeks before setting out. Grow Lemon Basil in a rich, well-drained, soil and in full sun. Pinch the tip from the center shoot of the Lemon Basil seedlings after they have grown for 6 weeks to force side growth and prevent early flowering. If flower stalks develop, simply snip them off.

Approximate Seeds Per Ounce: 25,000

Fresh Culinary Annual

How to Grow

These basil seeds can be sown directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds into a prepared seedbed in a rich, well-drained soil in an area of full sun. Plant at a depth of 1/4 inch. For areas with short growing seasons, these seeds can also be started indoors. Sow seeds into small pots or packs 4-8 weeks before the last expected frost, then transplant outdoors when frost danger has passed. Pinch the tip from the center shoot of the seedlings after they have grown for 6 months in order to force side growth and prevent early flowering.

• Environment: full sun
• Soil: well-drained w' pH 6.1-7.3
• Sowing rate: 1 seed per inch

Plant Specifications

Lemon basil is an annual garden herb that grows in USDA zones 4 through 9. This basil has a uniquely fresh scent that is reminiscent of lemons, and it can be used in a wide variety of culinary enterprises.

• Bloom color: white
• Bloom season: summer
• Plant Height: 26 inches