How to Grow Lime Basil
Ocimum x citriodorum
Lime Basil is a fragrant herb prized for its citrusy aroma and culinary versatility in teas, salads, and dishes. Gardeners grow it not only for flavor but also because it often shows better resistance to common diseases than standard basil varieties.
📷 Wikipedia: HerbStarting Lime Basil: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Lime Basil is not usually started indoors.
Because Lime Basil is sensitive to cold and frost kills it, wait until all danger of spring frost has passed and soil temperatures are warm before moving seedlings or direct sowing outdoors.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 before sowing. Since Lime Basil is a warm-season crop, start seeds indoors after the last frost date or direct sow once the soil has warmed up significantly in spring. Press seeds gently into the medium at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Expect germination to occur within five to ten days under proper warmth and moisture.
Space plants eight to twelve inches apart to ensure good air circulation and robust growth. While this herb does not require trellising, provide consistent moisture by watering about one inch per week, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between sessions. Apply a light mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, feeding lightly if growth seems sluggish.
Watch for aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles; spray with water or insecticidal soap at the first sign of infestation. Prevent fungal issues like Fusarium wilt by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring good airflow. Harvest leaves when plants are mature, typically around 60 days after sowing, picking stems just above a leaf pair to encourage continued bushy growth.
When to Plant Lime Basil
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for Lime Basil
✓ Good companions
Basil repels asparagus beetles and both plants have complementary root depths
Basil helps deter carrot fly and other root maggots
Basil provides light shade for lettuce and repels aphids that damage leafy greens
Attract beneficial insects and repel nematodes and whiteflies
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and oregano helps repel cucumber beetles
Compatible growing conditions and parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies
Basil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that damage pepper plants
Basil repels hornworms and aphids that commonly attack tomatoes, may enhance tomato flavor
✗ Keep away from
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most herbs including basil
Allelopathic compounds inhibit basil growth and development
Competes for nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through chemical interactions
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
