Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a vigorous, aromatic heirloom basil with bright green foliage and a bushy growth habit ideal for sunny garden spaces. This non-GMO variety produces fine-textured leaves and attractive white flower clusters that draw beneficial pollinators. Well-suited for container growing, raised beds, and herb garden borders, this variety thrives in warm climates and provides a long season of leafy growth.
Features
- Non-GMO heirloom Lemon Basil variety
- Aromatic foliage with strong garden fragrance
- Attractive to bees and beneficial pollinators
- Vigorous growth in sunny borders and raised beds
- Excellent for container and patio gardening
- Produces abundant foliage throughout summer
Specifications
- Common Name: Lemon Basil, Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil
- Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Plant Type: Annual
- USDA Zones: 4–11 (warm-season annual)
- Season: Late spring through summer
- Height: 18–30 inches
- Foliage: Narrow bright green aromatic leaves
- Bloom Color: White
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Fertile, well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Moderate, consistent moisture
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Days to Maturity: 60–75 days
- Heat Tolerance: Excellent
- Cold Tolerance: Poor; frost sensitive
- Plant Spacing: 10–14 inches
- Seed Longevity: 3–5 years stored cool and dry
Planting Guide
- Sowing Method: Direct sow after frost or start indoors.
- Seed Preparation: No soaking or treatment required.
- When to Plant:
- Indoors: 4–6 weeks before frost
- Outdoors: After frost when soil is fully warm
- Sowing Depth: Press into soil, cover lightly 1/8 inch.
- Germination Time: 5–10 days in warm soil.
- Light Requirements: Full sun for strong, leafy growth.
- Soil Conditions: Loose, well-drained soil enriched with organic material.
- Watering: Keep soil moist for seedlings; moderate watering afterward.
- Maintenance:
- Pinch tips to promote branching
- Remove flower spikes if leafy growth is desired
- Avoid overwatering, especially in pots
