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Plant Guide

Brunswick

422 Bath Road
Brunswick, ME 04011
1-800-339-8111
207-442-8111

Falmouth

89 Foreside Road
Falmouth, ME 04105
1-800-244-3860
207-781-3860

Cumberland

201 Gray Rd (Route 100)
Cumberland, ME 04021
1-800-348-8498
207-829-5619

herb

Lemon Basil

Ocimum x citriodorum 'Perpetual Pesto'

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Lemon Basil (Ocimum x citriodorum 'Perpetual Pesto') at Skillins Greenhouse

Lemon Basil foliage

Lemon Basil foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Lemon Basil (Ocimum x citriodorum 'Perpetual Pesto') at Skillins Greenhouse

Lemon Basil

Lemon Basil

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  3 feet

Spacing:  18 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Edible Qualities

Lemon Basil is an annual herb that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. The fragrant pointy grayish green leaves with distinctive creamy white edges are usually harvested from early summer to early fall. The leaves have a zesty taste.

The leaves are most often used in the following ways:

  • Fresh Eating
  • Cooking
  • Seasoning

Planting & Growing

Lemon Basil will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant is typically grown in a designated herb garden. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Lemon Basil is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Edging  Garden  Herb  Container 
Applications
Foliage Color 
Ornamental Features