SEEDS (50pcs/bag)

Common name: Lemon basil, A frican basil, Hairy Basil, Lemon Basil
Scientific name: Ocimum x africanum
Family: Lamiaceae

Plant history & use:

Lemon basil is a hybrid basil that was created by crossing Ocimum americanum and Ocimum basilicum. It has a distinctive lemony flavor and aroma that makes it excellent for cooking, especially in South American, African, and Asian cuisines. It is usually slightly milder than regular basil (Ocimum basilicum) and can be used fresh or dried.

Lemon basil is often used in salsas, stews, marinades, and as a flavoring in beverages. Its bright flavor and fresh aroma also make it great for making tea.

Lemon basil also has medicinal properties. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve symptoms of colds and headaches. The herb has also been used to treat stomach upset and high blood pressure.

Lemon basil is an excellent plant for growing in the garden or in pots on a sunny patio. It is easy to grow and produces a generous harvest of flavorful leaves. It is also a beautiful plant with bright green leaves and beautiful white flowers.

So, whether you're a foodie or a gardening enthusiast, lemon basil is definitely a plant you should try growing. It offers both great flavor and health benefits, and is easy to care for.

Culture:

Lemon Basil thrives in full sun or partial shade with good drainage. It requires regular watering but the soil should not be too wet. Plant in a pot with plenty of room for the roots and Lemon Basil can grow into a perennial small tree. , like the Holy Basil . However, this requires that you move the plant inside before winter as the Lemon Basil is frost sensitive. You can also plant directly in the ground in a greenhouse if you ensure that the winter temperature does not fall below 0 ºC. Alternatively, grow directly in the ground as an annual.

Cut off the inflorescences to encourage foliage growth. However, the inflorescences are edible and aromatic as well.

Lemon basil is also known to be resistant to pests and diseases, making it a good natural protection for the plants it is placed around, but it is still important to keep an eye out for any signs of fungal or insect infestation.

To get a rich harvest of healthy leaves, it is important to keep the soil moist, but not wet. It is also important to give the plant enough nutrition and space to grow.

Sowing:

To sow lemon basil, fill a pot or seed tray with moist, well-drained soil. Spread the seeds evenly over the soil and press them down gently so they make good contact with the soil surface. Do not cover with soil.

To preserve moisture, cover the seeds with plastic wrap or a plastic bag with air holes. Then place the seeds in a warm place with good drainage and leave until the seeds have germinated. It usually takes between 5-15 days for the seeds to germinate.

Features :

Year: Perennial
Growing position: partial shade/sun
Height: 30-150 cm
Germination time: 5-15 days