Image 1 of 3
Common Names
Lemon Basil, Lime Basil,
Botanical Name
Ocimum americanum
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Life Cycle
Annual
Native Range
Africa, Asia (not native to America as the species name would suggest)
Hardiness Zone
2-11
Habit
Grows up to 2ft tall and 1.5ft wide. Small bushy, erect plants with white flowers and aromatic leaves.
Sun/Soil
Full sun, well-drained fertile soil.
Germination/Sowing
Lemon Basil grows easily from seed. Basil seeds need warmth to germinate, ideally around 21C. This can easily be achieved on a sunny window sill inside the house or with bottom heat in an outdoor cold-frame or greenhouse. On Vancouver Island where our farm is located, we wait until mid-April or May before starting basil seeds.
Growing/Care
Lemon Basil needs little care aside from regular watering during the hot season.
Harvesting
Harvesting can be done by gathering the aerial parts once the plants are mature. They can be gathered fresh through the growing season. The entire plant can be pulled and harvested before frost.
Culinary Uses
Flavour is very similar to Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) and is very lovely as a tea herb on its own or in blends. We absolutely LOVE this as a tea herb! Can be used in culinary dishes anytime a bright lemon flavour is desired.
Medicinal Uses
Lemon Basil is decongestant, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and carminative. May also have adaptogenic properties similar to other species of Ocimum.
Other Uses
The flowering stems of different Basil species are often used as fillers and for texture and interest in cut flower arrangements.
Themes
Apothecary garden, attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Container Garden.