Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil Seeds

Genus:Ocimum
Species:basilicum citriodora
Variety:Mrs. Burns’ Lemon
Item Form:(P)Pkt of 100 seeds
Bloom Start To End:Mid Summer
Days To Maturity:60
Habit:Mound-shaped
Seeds Per Pack:100
Plant Height:18 in – 24 in
Plant Width:12 in – 24 in
Additional Characteristics:Easy Care Plants,Edible,Fragrance,Heirloom,Herbs
Bloom Color:Pink
Foliage Color:Dark Green
Harvest Season:Early Fall,Late Summer,Mid Summer
Light Requirements:Full Sun,Part Shade
Moisture Requirements:Dry,Moist, well-drained
Resistance:Disease Resistant,Heat Tolerant,Pest Resistant
Soil Tolerance:Normal, loamy
Uses:Beds,Containers,Cuisine

Days to Maturity: 60

Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil is nothing short of an idol among fine chefs and gardeners alike! This heirloom was discovered in New Mexico, and it is absolutely the best lemon basil available anywhere, with larger leaves and a much more intense, citrusy, mouth-puckering flavor.

This heat-loving plant sets 2 1/2-inch leaves of dark green on plants 18 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. A great choice for containers as well as the herb or vegetable garden, it is aromatic and very pest and disease resistant. Strongly recommended for anyone who values strong fragrance and flavor.

Sow seeds outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after last spring frost, or begin indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplant date. It germinates in 5 to 15 days. Thin when seedlings are 2 inches tall. Pinch the central stem of the plant back several times during growth to encourage the production of side shoots. Lean soils in a sunny location will produce more flavorful oils, but it will tolerate partial sun.

Be sure to grow some on a sunny indoor windowsill for fresh herbs just steps away from your cooking. It’s also a bit more heat tolerant than sweet basil, a plus for gardens in the South. It produces small terminal racemes of pink flowers, but you’ll want to keep them pinched back to promote dense, bushy growth and focus the plant’s energy on producing aromatic oil instead of flowers.