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Lemon basil
Lemon basil
Lemon basil
Ocimum africanum
Also known as : Wild basil
Lemon basil, hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, or Lao basil, (Ocimum × africanum) is a hybrid between basil (Ocimum basilicum) and American basil (Ocimum americanum). The herb is grown primarily in northeastern Africa and southern Asia for its fragrant lemon scent, and is used in cooking. Lemon basil stems can grow to 20–40 cm (8–20 in) tall. It has white flowers in late summer to early fall. The leaves are similar to basil leaves, but tend to be narrower with slightly serrated edges. Seeds form on the plant after flowering and dry on the plant. Lemon basil is a popular herb in Arabic, Indonesian, Philippines, Lao, Malay, Persian and Thai cuisine.
Planting Time
Planting Time
Early spring, Mid spring, Early summer, Early fall
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Key Facts About Lemon basil

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Attributes of Lemon basil

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Planting Time
Early spring, Mid spring, Early summer, Early fall
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early fall, Mid fall
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
50 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
10 cm to 14 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Dormancy
Winter dormancy
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃

Scientific Classification of Lemon basil

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Distribution of Lemon basil

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Habitat of Lemon basil

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Distribution Map of Lemon basil

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Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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Questions About Lemon basil

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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the best way to water my Lemon basil?
To water Lemon basil, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Lemon basil is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Lemon basil as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Lemon basil that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Lemon basil, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.
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What should I do if I water my Lemon basil too much or too little?
The remedy for underwatering Lemon basil is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Lemon basil is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Lemon basil that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Lemon basil, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.
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How often should I water my Lemon basil?
Lemon basil needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Lemon basil. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Lemon basil grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Lemon basil that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Lemon basil a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.
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How much water does my Lemon basil need?
There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Lemon basil. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Lemon basil. Typically, you should give your Lemon basil about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Lemon basil in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.
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How can I tell if i'm watering my Lemon basil enough?
It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Lemon basil. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Lemon basil are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Lemon basil may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Lemon basil as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.
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How should I water my Lemon basil through the seasons?
You can expect your Lemon basil’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Lemon basil, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Lemon basil that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Lemon basil is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.
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How should I water my Lemon basil at different growth stages?
Lemon basil will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Lemon basil as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Lemon basil will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Lemon basil will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.
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What's the difference between watering Lemon basil indoors and outdoors?
There are several reasons why most Lemon basil grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Lemon basil needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Lemon basil water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.
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More Info on Lemon Basil Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
Temperature
0 - 43 ℃
Lemon basil is native to regions with temperatures ranging from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It prefers a warm climate and may need protection or adjustment of its environment in cooler seasons.
Temp for Healthy Growth
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Lemon basil
Lemon basil
Lemon basil
Ocimum africanum
Also known as: Wild basil
Lemon basil, hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, or Lao basil, (Ocimum × africanum) is a hybrid between basil (Ocimum basilicum) and American basil (Ocimum americanum). The herb is grown primarily in northeastern Africa and southern Asia for its fragrant lemon scent, and is used in cooking. Lemon basil stems can grow to 20–40 cm (8–20 in) tall. It has white flowers in late summer to early fall. The leaves are similar to basil leaves, but tend to be narrower with slightly serrated edges. Seeds form on the plant after flowering and dry on the plant. Lemon basil is a popular herb in Arabic, Indonesian, Philippines, Lao, Malay, Persian and Thai cuisine.
Planting Time
Planting Time
Early spring, Mid spring, Early summer, Early fall
plant_info

Key Facts About Lemon basil

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Attributes of Lemon basil

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Planting Time
Early spring, Mid spring, Early summer, Early fall
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early fall, Mid fall
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
50 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
10 cm to 14 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Dormancy
Winter dormancy
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Lemon basil

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distribution

Distribution of Lemon basil

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Feedback
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Habitat of Lemon basil

Homesteads

Distribution Map of Lemon basil

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
question

Questions About Lemon basil

feedback
Feedback
feedback
Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the best way to water my Lemon basil?
more
What should I do if I water my Lemon basil too much or too little?
more
How often should I water my Lemon basil?
more
How much water does my Lemon basil need?
more
How can I tell if i'm watering my Lemon basil enough?
more
How should I water my Lemon basil through the seasons?
more
How should I water my Lemon basil at different growth stages?
more
What's the difference between watering Lemon basil indoors and outdoors?
more
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Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
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care_scenes

More Info on Lemon Basil Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
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Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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Nearly 5 years of research
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80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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Temperature
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Indoor
Outdoor
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Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
Lemon basil is native to regions with temperatures ranging from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It prefers a warm climate and may need protection or adjustment of its environment in cooler seasons.
Regional wintering strategies
Lemon basil is extremely heat-loving, and any cold temperatures can cause harm to it. In the autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Lemon basil indoors and place it near a bright window, but it should be kept at a certain distance from heaters. Maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter is beneficial for plant growth. Any temperatures approaching {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min} are detrimental to the plant.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in Lemon basil
Lemon basil prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may lighten in color. After frost damage, the color gradually turns brown or black, and symptoms such as wilting and drooping may occur.
Solutions
Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment for cold protection. Choose a spot near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.
Symptoms of High Temperature in Lemon basil
During summer, Lemon basil should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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