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Lemon Basil Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
If you are looking for a versatile herb that can be grown both indoors and outdoors, then lemon basil is a great choice.
This aromatic herb has an intense lemony flavor and scent that can add a unique twist to your culinary creations.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for the lemon basil plant.
What is Lemon Basil?
Lemon basil (Ocimum citriodorum) is an herb from the mint family that originated in Southeast Asia.
It is also known as hoary basil or Thai lemon basil.
The plant has green leaves with purple veins, and its flowers range from white to pink-tinged-purple.
The reason why it’s called “lemon” basil is because of its strong citrusy aroma, which comes from the essential oils found in its leaves.
These oils contain limonene, citral, camphor, linalool, myrcene, and eucalyptol.
Growing Lemon Basil
You can grow lemon basil either indoors or outdoors depending on your preference.
Here are some tips on how to grow this fragrant herb:
- Location: Choose a sunny spot for outdoor planting where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day or keep them near south-facing windowsills if planting indoors.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil with pH between 6-7
- Sowing seeds: Sow seeds directly into the soil in spring after all frost danger has passed; alternatively start seedlings indoors under grow lights before transplanting outside after all frost danger has passed
- Watering: Water regularly, but do not overwater as it can cause root rot
- Fertilizing: Use balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
- Pests and Diseases: Watch out for spider mites or whiteflies; remove any infected leaves immediately to prevent spreading of disease.
Caring for Lemon Basil Plants
Lemon basil is a relatively low maintenance plant.
Here are some tips on how to care for your lemon basil plant:
- Pruning: Pinch off the tips of young plants when they reach about six inches tall to promote bushy growth; prune regularly to keep the plants from getting too leggy or tall.
- Picking leaves: You can start harvesting lemon basil once it reaches a height of six inches.
Pick off individual leaves rather than cutting off entire stems, this will encourage new growth.
- Grooming flowers: If you want to use your plants primarily for cooking purposes, pinch off the flowers as soon as they appear.
This will direct more energy toward leaf production and make your plants last longer.
- Maintaining Soil moisture level : Maintain soil moisture level by watering regularly since Lemon Basil prefers moist soil condition.
Water when the top layer feels dry otherwise skip watering.
- Mix freshly chopped lemon basil into mayonnaise or cream cheese for a quick and easy spread that’s perfect for sandwiches or crackers.
- Make a pesto sauce by blending lemon basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Add Lemon Basil leaves in salads to give it an extra zing
- Lemon Basil also goes well with fish and chicken dishes.
Culinary Uses of Lemon Basil Plant
Lemon basil has a unique citrus flavor that makes it an ideal herb in many recipes.
Here are some culinary uses of lemon basil:
Conclusion
If you want to add some unique flavor to your culinary creations while also enjoying the benefits of gardening, consider growing lemon basil.
Follow our guide on how to grow and care for this herb, and you’ll have plenty of fresh leaves to use in all your recipes.
Whether you’re making a salad dressing or a pasta sauce, lemon basil is sure to give your dish an extra kick!
