60 Days to maturity. Ocimum americanum. Organic Lime Basil Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom. Suitable for growing in fields, containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Lime basil is known for its bright citrus aroma and zesty, peppery-lime flavor. The smooth, bright green leaves are smaller than common basil and sometimes display slightly scalloped edges. The leaves are smaller and more pinnate compared to sweet basil, with a distinctive lemony scent. It grows as an annual or short-lived perennial 18-20 inches tall. Used commonly in Southeast Asian cooking and appreciated for its citrus aroma and flavor. ~19,000 seeds/oz. Download Free Herb Growing Guide PDF Read Full Basil Herb Growing Guide Instructions Latin Name: Ocimum americanum Hardiness Zone: Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Days to Maturity: 60-90 Days to Germination: 5-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: Yes Start Indoors: Yes, 6-8 weeks before transplanting. Plant Spacing: 9-12 inches Row Spacing: 12-18 inches Plant Height: 18-20 inches Plant Width: 9-12 inches Growth Habit: Upright branching Deer Resistant: Yes Soil Preference: Consistently moist, fertile, well-drained Temperature Preference: 65-80 F Germination Temperature: 68-70 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to rot and mildew in overly saturated, heavy, and poorly drained soil. Basil does not have too many pests or insects and is generally seeded in the garden to help minimize pests. Organic Lime Basil Color: Green leaves with tiny white flowers on spikes. Organic Lime Basil Flavor: Slightly tangy, citrus overtones Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Fields Climate Tolerance: Heat tolerant with adequate moisture. Growing Organic Lime Basil in the Herb Garden Lime basil is a warm-weather crop grown both indoors and out. For earliest starts, begin indoors 6-8 weeks prior to final frost. Plant 4-6 seeds .25 inches deep per cell or 3-4 inches apart in the garden in moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Germinates in 5-10 days, thinning back to 1-2 plants per pot or every 9-12 inches in the garden as true leaves establish. Harden off seedlings if transplanting outside. Harvesting of Organic Lime Basil The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning. Harvest/prune the plants before they set flowers to encourage the plant to produce fresh leaves throughout the season. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part. A shot of liquid nitrogen fertilizer, at pruning time, will help the plants recover. Make your final harvest before the weather drops below 40 F, as the plant will not survive the cold. About Organic Lime Basil Garden Seeds Lime basil leaves are best used fresh, and can be incorporated whole, chopped, or shredded into a variety of dishes including seafood, rice, noodles, and fruit or vegetable salads, or muddled into drinks such as cocktails, lemonades, and teas. The volatile oil citral, responsible for the lime-like fragrance and flavor, also contributes natural insect-repellent qualities, making lime basil both a beneficial culinary and garden plant. Tips From Our Gardeners "Another one to keep close to the patio for the scent and, like lemongrass, to help repel insects." - Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer Organic Lime Basil Seeds Per Package: 2 g packet - Approximately 1,250 Seeds .25 oz - Approximately 4,750 Seeds 1 oz - Approximately 19,000 Seeds 4 oz - Approximately 76,800 Seeds 1 lb - Approximately 304,000 Seeds 5 lb - Approximately 1,520,000 Seeds 25 lb - Approximately 7,600,000 Seeds Non-GMO Organic Lime Basil seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.