How to Grow and Enjoy Lemon Basil

How to Grow and Enjoy Lemon Basil: Bright Flavor, Big Benefits and How to Grow It Easily

Lemon Basil, what can I say about Lemon Basil...Oh My Gawd! There are herbs that add flavor, and then there’s lemon basil....an herb that brings flavor, fragrance and more; brightness, nutrients, and garden charm. Whether you want fresh leaves for recipes and herbal teas, or you’re looking for a beautiful plant to grow on your patio, lemon basil does a lot and with relatively little fuss. Whether you cook with it or not, lemon basil doubles as a gorgeous kitchen accent. Its delicate green leaves make a stunning bouquet when gathered in a rustic farmhouse pitcher on your kitchen island or counter.

What is Lemon Basil?

Lemon basil is a hybrid between sweet basil and another basil species. It has the usual basil structure but with a distinct citrusy lemon aroma and flavor. It is such a beautiful plant. The leaves are smooth, green, with lightly serrated edges; grows to 30-50 cm tall in good conditions. It also produces small, fragrant white flowers in summer. It is absolutely beautiful in every way, grows like a weed and the taste and smell of this little powerhouse is off the charts.

It's packed with vitamins, minerals, compounds and nutrients that make it a wonderful addition to any herbal apothecary or tea jar. As with all herbs, due to their medicinal properties and contradictions to other prescription medications, make sure that you consult with a licensed medical professional before using this herb or any other herbs.

Cooking & Tea Uses

Here are ways to bring lemon basil into your kitchen (and cup):

• In cooking

  I recently made a Lemon Basil Pesto Pappardelle with Lamb and Beef Meatballs (pictured above) and it turned out spectacular. Link below:

  Garden to Table Lemon Basil Pesto Pappardelle with Lamb & Beef Meatballs

  Chop or tear fresh leaves and add toward the end of cooking to preserve aroma. Use in salads, pasta, marinades, seafood, poultry. Try infusing it in oil or vinegar. Make dressings and dips with it.

• In desserts

  Think fruit salads, sorbets, custards, or compotes: lemon basil’s citrus note pairs nicely with fruits like peaches, berries, melon.

• In drinks & tea

  Use fresh leaves (or dried) to steep in hot water. Mix with mint, lemon, ginger. You can also use it as a garnish in iced tea or lemonade for flavor and fragrance.

Growing Lemon Basil in a Container (It’s Easy!)

Want to grow your own lemon basil even if you have limited space? Containers are perfect. Mine shares a space with Thai Purple Basil and Lemon Balm.

1. Pick the right pot

   Choose a container with drainage holes. Depth of at least 10 inches is good so roots can grow well. Use a potting mix that drains well and is rich in organic matter.

2. Good location & light

   Place in full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily). A sunny patio or balcony will work, in my experience, the plant really thrives outside in a sunny location. If the sun is very intense midday, some light shade helps but I think that it might depend on your zone location. Here in Texas, Lemon Basil thrives in the summer heat as long as it is watered daily. Mine shares a 1.5'x3.5' raised bed container and does really well in direct sun.

3. Proper soil & watering

   Use soil that holds moisture but doesn’t stay soggy. Water regularly, containers dry out faster than garden soil. Let the top inch or two of soil dry before watering; water thoroughly when you do.

4. Temperature & transitions

   Lemon basil loves warmth. Don’t plant (or move outside) until nights are reliably warm (no frost).

5. Pruning & harvesting

   Pinch back new shoots to encourage bushy growth. Remove flower buds if you want leaves rather than letting the plant spend energy on flowers/seeds. Harvest leaves often, this stimulates more growth.

6. Feeding & care

   Use compost or light organic fertilizers as nutrients get depleted in containers. Watch for pests but generally basil is relatively easy. Good airflow helps prevent fungal problems.

   

   
   

Final Thoughts

Lemon basil is a wonderful herb to grow, it looks lovely, smells and tastes great, offers nutrient benefits, and is relatively forgiving as long as you keep its needs in mind. I grew mine from seed right in the pot, no fuss, no transplanting. For anyone who enjoys cooking, fresh herbal teas, or simply having fragrant greenery around, lemon basil is a superb choice. I hope this post on growing and enjoying lemon basil gave you some inspiration and ideas for expanding your herb garden in the seasons ahead.

If you try growing it in the future, I’d love to hear how it goes!

As always, happy planting, sipping and eating!

Jennifer