What are the sun requirements for Ocimum basilicum 'Lemon'?

Ocimum basilicum 'Lemon' is lemon basil, a bushy annual herb growing 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) wide. Bright green ovate to lance-shaped leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) on square stems, strongly lemon-scented when crushed — the scent is from citral (the same compound in lemon peel and lemongrass), distinct from the eugenol-based scent of sweet basil. White tubular two-lipped flowers in terminal racemes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). In the mint family (Lamiaceae). A hybrid of O. basilicum × O. africanum. Culinary herb used in Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and Italian cooking. The leaves lose flavor intensity after flowering — pinch flower buds continuously to extend the harvest window. Cold-sensitive: the foliage blackens at the first touch of frost or temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost — transplant after all frost danger when soil reaches 60°F (16°C). Susceptible to basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii): the primary disease threat worldwide since 2007 — causes rapid yellowing and grayish-purple sporulation on the leaf undersides. Non-toxic (edible culinary herb). Deer-resistant (aromatic). Full sun (6+ hours). Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

A hybrid of O. basilicum × O. africanum. The parent species are native to tropical Asia and Africa.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb gardens, vegetable gardens, and containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Culinary herb (Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian). Lemon-scented. Pinch flowers for extended harvest. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by bright green lemon-scented leaves on a bushy annual with square stems and white flower racemes. The citral-based lemon scent (not eugenol) distinguishes lemon basil from sweet basil. In Lamiaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread10" - 1'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer Fall

Summer to fall (July-September). White tubular two-lipped flowers in terminal racemes. Pinch flower buds to prolong leaf harvest — flowering reduces leaf flavor. Bee nectar source.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, small tubular two-lipped, 0.2 inch (5 mm), in terminal racemes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)

Foliage Description

Bright green, ovate to lance-shaped, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), smooth, strongly lemon-scented when crushed; opposite on square stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-75 days from seed to harvest

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Moist well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Pinch flower buds for continuous leaf harvest. Cold-sensitive — blackens below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C). Susceptible to basil downy mildew. Non-toxic (edible herb). Deer-resistant. Tender annual.

Pruning

Pinch flower buds as they appear to prolong leaf production. Harvest by cutting stems above a leaf node — the plant regrows from the node. Pinch the growing tip at 6 inches (15 cm) for bushier growth.

Pruning Schedule

summer