Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant, citrus-scented herb that is a variation of traditional basil. Known for its lemony aroma and unique flavor, this herb is perfect for culinary uses, herbal teas, and even ornamental gardens. The packet contains 1500 premium seeds that will help you grow your own Lemon Basil plants, which are not only a delightful addition to your herb garden but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with its delicate white flowers. Lemon Basil is a versatile herb that thrives in a variety of settings, from kitchen gardens to decorative plantings.

Key Features:

• 1500 Premium Seeds: This packet provides 1500 high-quality Lemon Basil seeds, offering plenty to grow a lush patch of this fragrant herb.
• Citrusy Aroma and Flavor: With its zesty lemon scent and mild basil flavor, Lemon Basil is a refreshing addition to salads, dressings, sauces, and teas. It pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes.
• Pollinator Friendly: The small white flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects, making it an excellent choice for any pollinator garden.
• Culinary and Medicinal Uses: Lemon Basil can be used fresh or dried to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes, including pasta, soups, teas, and desserts. It’s also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in herbal remedies.
• Compact Growth Habit: Lemon Basil grows as a compact, bushy plant, making it perfect for small gardens, containers, and raised beds.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Lemon Basil thrives in full sun, so choose a planting location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Soil Preferences: Well-drained, rich, loamy soil is ideal for growing Lemon Basil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Adding organic matter can help improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
• Planting Tips:
  • Direct Sowing: Sow Lemon Basil seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep in moist, well-draining soil.
  • Indoor Sowing: For an earlier start, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Keep the seeds in a warm location (70°F-75°F / 21°C-24°C) and ensure they are kept moist until germination.
  • Transplanting: If starting indoors, transplant seedlings into the garden once they are 4-6 inches tall and the outdoor temperatures are consistently warm.
• Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lemon Basil prefers moderate watering, especially during dry periods, but be careful not to overwater, as this may lead to root rot.
• Growth Habit: Lemon Basil grows as a compact, bushy herb, reaching up to 12-24 inches tall and wide. It can be harvested regularly for culinary uses and continues to produce fresh growth throughout the growing season.
• Temperature: This herb thrives in warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost. It grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, but it can be grown as an annual in colder climates.

Benefits:

• Culinary Versatility: Lemon Basil’s unique lemony flavor makes it a perfect addition to a wide variety of dishes, including fresh salads, dressings, marinades, soups, pasta, and even desserts.
• Aromatic and Flavorful: In addition to its culinary uses, the aromatic leaves of Lemon Basil can be used to infuse teas or made into an herbal tincture for medicinal uses.
• Attracts Pollinators: Lemon Basil’s small white flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for your garden's ecosystem.
• Health Benefits: Lemon Basil is believed to have a number of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, digestive support, and stress reduction.
• Easy to Grow: With a relatively low-maintenance growing habit, Lemon Basil is perfect for gardeners of all levels. It thrives in a wide variety of conditions and can be grown in containers, raised beds, or traditional garden spaces.

Growing Zones:
Lemon Basil is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 but can be grown as an annual in cooler zones. In areas with cold winters, grow Lemon Basil in containers or pots that can be moved indoors during the winter months.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Garden: Lemon Basil is a wonderful addition to any herb garden, either as a standalone plant or as a companion to other herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
• Container Gardening: Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for container gardening, whether placed on a sunny balcony, patio, or windowsill.
• Pollinator Garden: The flowers of Lemon Basil attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Edible Landscaping: Lemon Basil can be used to add both beauty and function to your landscape, providing fresh herbs for your kitchen and aromatic greenery to enhance garden spaces.
• Cut Flowers: The delicate white flowers of Lemon Basil can be cut and added to floral arrangements, providing a soft, fragrant touch.

Conclusion:
Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant, flavorful herb that can elevate the taste of many dishes while attracting beneficial pollinators to your garden. With 1500 seeds in this packet, you can easily cultivate a healthy patch of this aromatic herb that thrives in sunny garden spots, containers, or raised beds. Its versatility in the kitchen, coupled with its pollinator-friendly nature, makes it an essential addition to herb gardens, kitchens, and landscapes alike.