Basil Lemon Seeds

Lemon Basil Seeds

Lemon Basil Seeds produce compact, aromatic plants with a beautiful fresh lemon fragrance and flavour. This distinctive culinary basil is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for something a little different, with fresh leaves that can be picked throughout the growing season and used straight from the plant.

Growing to approximately 30cm tall, Lemon Basil is a compact half-hardy annual that performs particularly well in pots, kitchen gardens, greenhouses, and on sunny windowsills. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil in a warm and sheltered position.

Pinching out the tip of the main stem encourages bushy growth and helps maintain plenty of fresh foliage. Plants can also be grown alongside tomatoes in the greenhouse as a useful companion plant.

Key Features

Compact Lemon Basil with a beautiful citrus fragrance.

Fresh aromatic leaves best used straight from the plant.

Half-hardy annual growing to approximately 30cm tall.

Excellent for containers, windowsills, and kitchen gardens.

Can be grown alongside tomatoes in the greenhouse.

Pinching out encourages compact, bushy growth.

Can be grown year-round on a bright windowsill.

How to Grow Lemon Basil Seeds

Sow Lemon Basil Seeds indoors from March, approximately 0.5cm deep in good-quality seed compost.

Several seeds can be sown together in each pot. Once established, plants can be potted on and grown on a bright kitchen windowsill or transferred into 1–2 litre pots for growing alongside tomatoes in the greenhouse.

Plants can be moved outdoors from late May, once all risk of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 30cm apart in rich, well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered position.

Alternatively, sow directly outdoors in drills during May once the soil has warmed, thinning seedlings to approximately 30cm apart.

Lemon Basil can also be grown all year round on a bright windowsill, providing fresh aromatic leaves close to the kitchen.

Lemon Basil Growing Tips

Grow in rich, well-drained soil in a warm and sheltered position.

Pick leaves regularly and use them fresh for the best flavour and fragrance.

Pinch out the main growing tip to encourage bushier plants.

Remove developing flowers if you want to encourage continued leaf production.

Protect outdoor plants from frost and cold temperatures.

Grow in pots alongside greenhouse tomatoes as a companion plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lemon Basil smell and taste like?
Lemon Basil has a distinctive fresh citrus fragrance that sets it apart from traditional basil varieties.

How tall does Lemon Basil grow?
Plants grow to approximately 30cm tall, giving them a naturally compact habit.

Can Lemon Basil be grown indoors?
Yes, it can be grown throughout the year on a bright kitchen windowsill.

When can Lemon Basil be planted outdoors?
Plants can be moved outdoors from late May once the risk of frost has passed.

Should Lemon Basil be pinched out?
Yes. Pinching out the main growing tip encourages bushy growth and helps plants produce plenty of fresh leaves.

Perfect For

Kitchen windowsills

Patio containers

Greenhouses

Fresh herbs

Kitchen gardens

Companion planting

Aromatic herb gardens

Home growers