Lime Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant and flavorful herb that combines the zest of lime with the classic sweetness of basil. This variety stands out for its refreshing citrusy aroma and flavor, making it an excellent addition to culinary dishes, herbal teas, and even natural remedies. With its vibrant green leaves and small white or purple flowers, Lime Basil is not only a delightful herb to use in the kitchen but also a beautiful plant to grow in your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, Lime Basil is easy to grow and thrives in a variety of conditions, adding both aesthetic beauty and culinary value to your space.

Key Features:

• 150 High-Quality Seeds: This packet contains 150 premium Lime Basil seeds, offering ample opportunity to grow a robust and productive crop of this aromatic herb.
• Distinctive Lime Flavor: Lime Basil has a unique citrusy, lime-like fragrance that adds an exciting twist to traditional basil’s flavor. It’s perfect for flavoring dishes like salads, pasta, and marinades, as well as for making fresh pesto.
• Edible Flowers: The small white or purple flowers that appear in summer are edible and can be used as a garnish in culinary dishes or to make herbal teas.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Lime Basil are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden that supports wildlife.
• Culinary and Medicinal Uses: In addition to its culinary appeal, Lime Basil has medicinal properties. It is traditionally used in herbal teas to aid digestion and relieve stress, and its leaves can be used to make soothing, aromatic infusions.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Lime Basil thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate partial shade but will produce more vibrant growth and higher yields with adequate sun exposure.
• Soil Preferences: Lime Basil prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0) that is rich in organic matter. Well-amended, loamy soil promotes healthy growth.
• Planting Tips:
  • Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C) for optimal germination. Basil seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days.
  • Outdoor Planting: After the last frost date, sow Lime Basil seeds directly outdoors in a sunny spot. Space the seeds 10-12 inches apart to give the plants enough room to grow. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding once they are a few inches tall.
• Watering Needs: Basil requires consistent moisture to thrive, but it doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged soil. Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot weather, basil may need more frequent watering, especially if the soil is drying out too quickly.
• Temperature: Lime Basil is a warm-weather herb that thrives in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). It is frost-sensitive, so be sure to plant it outdoors only after the last frost date has passed in your area.
• Fertilizing: Basil benefits from light fertilizing. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor.
• Pruning and Care: To encourage bushy growth, pinch back the tips of the basil plants regularly. Removing the flowers before they fully bloom will help direct the plant's energy toward leaf production, improving the flavor. Additionally, cutting back any leggy or yellowing stems will keep the plant compact and healthy.

Benefits:

• Culinary Delight: Lime Basil adds a fresh, citrusy twist to a wide range of dishes. Use it in salads, pestos, salsas, and pasta dishes, or add it to beverages like iced tea, cocktails, and even smoothies for an aromatic citrus boost.
• Aromatic & Flavorful: This herb is perfect for both savory and sweet applications. It pairs well with fish, chicken, rice, vegetables, and fruit, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen garden.
• Medicinal Uses: Lime Basil is known for its calming properties. The leaves are used in traditional herbal medicine to reduce stress, promote digestion, and relieve minor headaches.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers of Lime Basil attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Easy to Grow: With its fast germination, easy care, and ability to thrive in many soil types, Lime Basil is an ideal herb for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Growing Zones:
Lime Basil is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11 as an outdoor perennial. In colder climates (Zones 2-9), it is typically grown as an annual, with the seeds needing to be sown each spring after the last frost.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Kitchen Herb Garden: Lime Basil is perfect for adding flavor to your herb garden. It pairs well with other culinary herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
• Container Gardens: Because of its compact size, Lime Basil grows well in containers, making it an ideal choice for balcony gardens, patios, or windowsills.
• Pollinator Gardens: Plant Lime Basil alongside other nectar-rich plants like lavender, echinacea, or marigolds to create a pollinator haven that will attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
• Herbal Tea Garden: Grow Lime Basil as part of an herbal tea garden, and harvest the leaves to brew fragrant, refreshing teas with a citrus twist.

Conclusion:
Lime Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic and versatile herb that not only adds vibrant flavor to a variety of dishes but also offers medicinal benefits and enhances the beauty of any garden. With 150 seeds in this packet, you have plenty of opportunity to grow this delightful herb in your own garden. Whether you're using it in the kitchen, making herbal infusions, or cultivating it as a pollinator-friendly plant, Lime Basil is sure to be a valuable addition to your herb collection. Easy to grow and care for, Lime Basil is perfect for gardeners of all levels and will provide you with fresh, fragrant leaves all season long.