Basil Lemon Herb Seeds
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Lemon Basil is a fragrant warm-season herb prized for its fresh citrus aroma, bright lemon flavour and versatile culinary uses. Easy to grow in garden beds, herb gardens and containers, it is excellent for salads, seafood, teas, dressings, Asian dishes and fresh summer cooking.
Key Attributes
Fresh Lemon FlavourAromatic basil leaves with a bright citrus fragrance and taste. |
Excellent Culinary HerbPerfect for seafood, salads, teas, dressings and Asian-style dishes. |
Fast GrowingQuick to establish in warm weather and suitable for regular picking. |
Container FriendlyIdeal for pots, raised beds, herb gardens and kitchen gardens. |
Highly AromaticFragrant leaves add fresh flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes. |
Warm Season PerformerThrives in sunny Australian gardens during the warmer months. |
Product Description
Lemon Basil is a distinctive culinary basil variety grown for its fresh citrus scent and bright lemon flavour. The aromatic green leaves are excellent for adding a refreshing lift to seafood, salads, noodle dishes, soups, curries, herb teas, desserts and homemade dressings.
Plants grow quickly in warm weather, producing upright, bushy growth and a steady supply of fragrant leaves. Regular harvesting encourages branching and helps keep plants productive throughout the growing season.
This versatile herb is ideal for home gardeners, kitchen gardens, herb pots and market growers wanting a specialty basil with strong culinary appeal. Its fresh lemon aroma makes it especially useful where a lighter, citrus-style basil flavour is preferred.
Why Grow Lemon Basil?
- Bright lemon flavour with a fresh citrus aroma.
- Excellent for seafood, salads, teas, dressings and Asian dishes.
- Fast-growing warm-season herb.
- Suitable for pots, raised beds and kitchen gardens.
- Highly aromatic leaves for fresh summer cooking.
- Easy to harvest regularly for continued leaf production.
Plant Details
| Plant Type | Warm-season annual herb |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy herb |
| Plant Height | 30–60 cm |
| Leaf Type | Aromatic green leaves with lemon flavour |
| Days to Harvest | 50–70 days |
Sowing Information
| Sowing Method | Direct sow or raise seedlings |
| Sowing Depth | 3–5 mm |
| Germination | 5–10 days |
| Soil Temperature | 20–25°C |
| Plant Spacing | 25–30 cm |
| Row Spacing | 30–40 cm |
| Position | Full Sun |
When to Sow Lemon Basil in Australia
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Growing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | October – January | Start indoors early or sow after frost danger has passed. |
| Temperate | September – February | Sow into warm soil and harvest regularly for bushy growth. |
| Subtropical | August – April | Grow through the warm season with regular watering. |
| Tropical | April – September | Best grown in the dry season with good airflow and drainage. |
| Arid | August – March | Provide consistent moisture and afternoon protection in extreme heat. |
How to Grow Lemon Basil
Sow Lemon Basil seeds into trays, pots or prepared garden beds once the weather is warm. Basil prefers fertile, well-drained soil, regular moisture and a sunny position protected from frost.
Keep soil evenly moist during germination and early growth. Transplant seedlings once they are large enough to handle and outdoor temperatures are reliably warm.
Pinch out the growing tips when plants are young to encourage branching and fuller growth. Regular harvesting helps delay flowering and keeps plants producing tender, aromatic leaves.
Remove flower buds if the main goal is leaf production, or allow some plants to flower for pollinator interest and ornamental value.
Harvest
Begin harvesting once plants are well established and have produced several sets of leaves. Pick individual leaves or cut stem tips regularly to encourage new side shoots. For the best flavour, harvest before heavy flowering.
Perfect For
- Home herb gardens and kitchen gardens
- Pots, containers and raised beds
- Seafood, salads and fresh summer dishes
- Asian cooking, soups and noodle dishes
- Herbal teas, dressings and marinades
- Desserts, fruit salads and infused drinks
- Market gardens and fresh herb production
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lemon Basil taste like?
Lemon Basil has a fresh citrus aroma and bright lemon flavour with the familiar sweetness of basil.
What is Lemon Basil used for?
Lemon Basil is used in seafood dishes, salads, teas, dressings, soups, curries, noodle dishes, marinades, desserts and fresh garnishes.
Can Lemon Basil be grown in pots?
Yes. Lemon Basil grows very well in pots and containers when given full sun, good-quality potting mix and regular watering.
Does Lemon Basil need full sun?
Yes. Lemon Basil performs best in full sun, although light afternoon protection can help in very hot climates.
Is Lemon Basil an annual or perennial?
Lemon Basil is usually grown as a warm-season annual herb and is sensitive to frost.
Click here to find out more about growing basil from seeds.
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