Lemon Basil is a delightful herb celebrated for its vibrant lemon fragrance and unique flavour. This annual plant exhibits a compact, bushy growth habit, reaching a height of around 12 to 18 inches. Its slender, bright green leaves are lance-shaped with a slightly serrated edge, providing an appealing aesthetic in gardens and containers.
Lemon Basil is a culinary treasure, infusing dishes with a citrusy essence. The aromatic leaves are a popular addition to salads, marinades, sauces, and desserts, offering a refreshing twist to traditional basil recipes. Beyond its culinary charm, Lemon Basil may possess potential health benefits attributed to basil varieties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This herb flourishes in well-drained soil and thrives under full sun exposure, making it a versatile and easy-to-grow addition to herb gardens or kitchen windowsills. Beyond its culinary allure, Lemon Basil can also serve as a companion plant, aiding in pest control due to its aromatic nature. Embracing Lemon Basil enhances both the culinary and aromatic dimensions of gardens, providing a fragrant and flavourful herb with diverse uses.
Common Name: Lemon Basil
Botanical Names:
- Ocimum × Africanum
Family: Lamiaceae
Other Names:
- Hoary Basil
- Lao Basil
- Thai Lemon Basil
Duration: Annual
Habit: Branching, Upright
Basil, Lemon
Top Diameter: 4.875"
Height: 3.6875"
Light Conditions:
- Full Sun: Lemon basil can be grown in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Partial Shade: In our climate, lemon basil may grow well with 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, primarily morning sun and afternoon shade in the dry season.
Soil:- Well-drained soil that is rich (fertile) in nutrients.
- Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.
Watering Frequency:- Water the soil primarily when the soil is dry or almost dry.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out.
- Do not allow the soil to be soggy for an extended period.
Amendments and Fertiliser:- Apply a nitrogen liquid fertiliser every three (3) to four (4) weeks to maintain a healthy plant during the plant's life.
Pruning:- Prune flowers to promote bushy growth and extend the plant's productive life.
- Prune leaves when they appear to fade or wilt.
