Lemon Basil Seeds

Ocimum Basil Lemon

Ocimum Basil Lemon is a zesty, aromatic annual herb, valued for its light green foliage and distinct, refreshing citrus fragrance. Growing to about 12 to 20 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 15 inches, this variety is perfect for kitchen gardens, patio containers, and mixed borders where its bright scent and tidy habit can be easily enjoyed. Unlike traditional sweet basils, Lemon Basil combines the savory notes of basil with a tangy lemon kick, offering a unique flavor profile that brightens summer dishes and bridges the gap between savory herbs and sweet aromatics.

 

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The tender, citrus-infused leaves are a key ingredient in Thai, Indonesian, and Lao cuisines, adding a bright, tangy finish to curries, stir-fries, and noodle soups.
• Excellent for infusing into beverages, such as herbal teas, lemonades, and cocktails, or paired with fish, chicken, and vinaigrettes for a fresh summer taste.
• Traditionally used in herbal practices to relieve stress, settle the stomach, and as a refreshing aromatherapy herb.

 

Characteristics

• Foliage: Light green, lance-shaped leaves that are narrower and smoother than Genovese basil; emits a powerful, clean lemon scent when brushed or crushed.
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, and vigorous; forms a neat mound that stays tidy in containers and resists becoming leggy if harvested regularly.
• Flowers: Produces delicate spikes of small white blossoms in late summer, which are edible and highly attractive to bees and beneficial pollinators.
• Seeds: Harvested after the flower spikes dry and turn brown; the small black seeds are easily collected and saved for the following season.

 

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to develop its maximum essential oil content and citrus flavor.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers rich, fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Water: Requires moderate watering; keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging, which can cause root issues.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or transplants 10 to 14 inches apart to allow for air circulation and bushy lateral growth.
• Maintenance: Pinch off the growing tips frequently to encourage a fuller shape and delay flowering; harvest often to prevent the plant from going to seed.

 

Shipping Info

Lemon Basil seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.