Grow a garden filled with the citrus scent of Lime Basil, from freshly harvested Ocimum x citriodorum seeds. Lime Basil is a delicious culinary herb, used in all sorts of dishes in the kitchen. Its citrus flavor, adds an extra something to meals, not to mention it smells great in the garden as well. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of roughly 12 to 20 inches tall, and can spread about 12 to 18 inches wide. The leaves area pretty decent size, measuring about 2 inches long. Lime Basil is known to deter some pesky insects including hornworms, aphids and mites as well.
Like most Basil, Lime Basil is categorized as an annual herb. Annuals such as this will grow quickly from freshly harvested Ocimum x citriodorum seeds. they produce leaves and flowers within a single season and can be regrown the following year, if the seeds are collected before the end of the Autumn season. Lime Basil plants wilt with the cooler temperatures of winter.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Annual
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green
- Height: 12″ – 20″ Tall
- Width: 18″ Spread
- Harvest: 60 Days
- Uses: Culinary
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Basil can be grown indoors or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8” under topsoil so that direct light can reach them. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm & all danger of frost passes. Check below for spacing and growth habits.
Growing Conditions
Basil will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 65F or more. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting or other light water setting to avoid overwatering and/or disturbing the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Your Basil seeds will typically take up to 7 to 14 days to begin sprouting open. The plants will display a bushy, compact formation, and can reach a mature height of 12 to 20 inches tall and a width of 12 to 18 inches wide. Space each plant roughly 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. To promote the production of additional leaves, pluck the flower heads before the blooms open up. Cut the leaves and add to many culinary dishes.