Plant Database / Herbs / Lemon Basil
Herbs

Lemon Basil

Ocimum citriodorum
Lamiaceae (Mint)

A bright citrus-scented basil for fish, tea, and Southeast Asian dishes. Loves the heat.

EdibleAnnualFull sunContainer-friendly
Lemon Basil (Ocimum citriodorum) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek
Sun
Full sun
Water
Even
Soil
Rich
pH
6.0-7.0
Hardiness
Warm-season annual
Height
12-18 in
Spacing
10 in
Days to harvest
60-75

What it is

Lemon Basil (Ocimum citriodorum) is in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. A bright citrus-scented basil for fish, tea, and Southeast Asian dishes. Loves the heat.

How to grow it

It wants full sun, water it even, and give it rich soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0-7.0. Space plants about 10 in apart. Expect roughly 60-75. Warm-season annual.

How it's used

Lemon Basil is used: fresh, tea.

🔎 How to identify it

  • Narrow light-green leaves
  • Square stems
  • Strong lemon scent

Edibility

PartsLeaves
UsesFresh, tea
CautionPinch flowers.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.