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Lime Basil Seeds

CA$5.95

A fragrant basil with bright citrus notes for kitchen and tea gardens

Lime Basil (Ocimum americanum var. pilosum) is a fast-growing annual basil prized for its bright, citrusy aroma and flavour. With narrow green leaves and a refreshing lime scent, this basil brings a lively twist to both the kitchen and the garden. Plants produce delicate white to pale lavender flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

Our own farm-grown Lime Basil seeds (Ocimum americanum pilosum) are offered for organic growing. All seeds are grown on our farm without the use of chemicals and are open-pollinated, hybrid-free, and GMO-free.

Each package contains 70+ seeds.

A fragrant basil with bright citrus notes for kitchen and tea gardens

Lime Basil (Ocimum americanum var. pilosum) is a fast-growing annual basil prized for its bright, citrusy aroma and flavour. With narrow green leaves and a refreshing lime scent, this basil brings a lively twist to both the kitchen and the garden. Plants produce delicate white to pale lavender flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

Our own farm-grown Lime Basil seeds (Ocimum americanum pilosum) are offered for organic growing. All seeds are grown on our farm without the use of chemicals and are open-pollinated, hybrid-free, and GMO-free.

Each package contains 70+ seeds.

Why Grow Lime Basil?
Lime basil is an excellent choice for gardeners who love aromatic herbs with a unique flavour profile. Its fresh citrus notes make it especially versatile for cooking, teas, and infused beverages, while its easy growth and pollinator-friendly flowers make it a rewarding garden plant. Lime basil thrives in beds, containers, and mixed herb plantings.

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PLANT DETAILS

Common Names
Lime Basil

Botanical Name
Ocimum americanum var. pilosum

Plant Family
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Life Cycle
Annual

Native Range
Africa, Asia (not native to America as the species name would suggest)

Hardiness Zone
2-11

Habit
Bushy, aromatic annual growing 18–24 inches tall. Produces small green leaves with a bright citrus-lime scent and flavour, and delicate white to pale lavender flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. More cold tolerant than sweet basil and less prone to bolting.

Sun/Soil
Full sun, well-drained fertile soil.

Germination/Sowing
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 
Easy to grow and productive. Regular harvesting encourages bushier plants and delays flowering. Pinch back early growth for best leaf production.

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
Widely used in Southeast Asian and African cuisines. The leaves add a bright lime-citrus flavour to curries, soups, stir-fries, teas, and fresh sauces.

Medicinal Uses
Traditionally used as a gentle digestive and carminative herb. Lime basil has been prepared as a mild tea to support digestion and comfort during colds.

Other Uses
The flowering stems of different Basil species are often used as fillers and for texture and interest in cut flower arrangements.

Themes
Culinary Herb, Pollinator Plant, Easy to Grow, Container Garden, Heat Tolerant, Aromatic Herb.