Lemon Basil - Ocimum x citriodorum - €3 per plant 

Lemon Basil is a hybrid between basil (Ocimum basilicum) and African basil (Ocimum americanum). The leaves have a glorious lemon scent and are prized in Arabian, Indonesian, Laotian, Persian and Thai cuisines. It can be grown outdoors as an annual in a temperate climate or as a perennial if brought inside for the winter.  Lemon Basil is a great plant to attract butterflies and bees to your garden and is said to be a great companion plant repelling mites and aphids. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Africa
  • native habitat: not known in the wild
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators and Pests

  • None  known or experienced 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun to dappled shade 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 9 - 11
  • Prefers well drained soil 
  • Easy to grow with plenty of sun and lots of warmth.

Known hazards 

  • Basil contains estragole a potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic essential oil. Do not take during pregnancy or give basil oil to small infants/children.

Overview

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  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.5 m  by 0.3 m. 
  • It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It cannot grow in the shade.

Characteristics

  • form: herbaceous perennial/annual 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: bushy 
  • height x width (m): 0.5 x 0.3
  • years to bearing yield: 0 years  
  • productive life span: 2-3 (if kept inside for winter)

Products 

  • Leaf: The leaves have a pronounced lemon scent and are prized in Arabian, Indonesian, Laotian, Persian and Thai cuisines.
  • Seeds can be soaked in water and are used in sweet desserts.
  • The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the aroma lasting for a long time after the plant has been harvested. 
  • Medicinal:Restorative, warming – mild sedative action, Treat bacterial infection and intestinal parasites

Functions, behaviours

  • Basil should never reach flowering during the harvesting periods. If given a chance to flower, its flavour will be sacrificed and the leaves become smaller, dry and leathery.
  • A good companion plant for vegetables
  • The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies.
  • Repel aphids and mites_
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project