Lemon Basil leaves have a marvelous, bright lemon scent and taste. These leaves are smaller than sweet basil but the same color green. Blossoms are white and also make great cut flowers. 100 seeds PLANTING Ocimum basilicum citriodorum Annual Germination: 5-10 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70ºF Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and lightly cover Starting Indoors: Start indoors 4-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperatures. Transplant after the last frost, 8-12" apart. Sowing Outdoors: After the last frost, sow a few seeds every 2-4”. Thin to the strongest seedling, 8-12" apart. Sow heavily seeded rows and use the baby greens earlier in the season. Sow again in mid-summer for later harvests. Growth Habit: Upright, branching Height and Width: 16-24” x 12-16” Spacing: 8-12” apart Light Needs: Full sun Soil Needs: Fertile, moist, well-drained Harvest: Start when the plants are 6-8”, picking leaves as needed. Harvest often to keep the plant producing new leaves. Freeze or dry to preserve Uses: Culinary and medicinal, containers, flowers attract pollinators and beneficials Care: Lemon Basil needs fertile soil, amended with compost and/or added organic fertilizer. Basil does not like to dry out, keep well watered for optimum growth, mulching will help retain moisture. Tips: Pinch seedlings back to encourage branching and increase leaf production. Pinching off the flowers helps the plant continue producing leaves. We like to pinch off flowers on some plants and leave flowers on others for the pollinators. Flowers are also nice in mixed bouquets. Try growing basil indoors on the windowsill or under grow lights. Growing basil as a micro green is an easy way to enjoy fresh basil during the winter months.
