Botanical Interests
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Product Details
Product Details
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- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Family: Laminaceae
Type: Basil (Learn more)
Native: Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Plant Dimensions: 8"–16" tall, 20" wide. Low, spreading habit.
Variety Info: 1 ½"–2" long, lime green, narrow, elliptical leaves with a strong, lemony scent and flavor. White flowers (if allowed to bloom). Lemon basil, also called Thai lemon basil or Lao basil, is used in traditional Indonesian, Laotian, and Thai cuisine.
Attributes: Good for Containers, Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 65°–85°F. Successive Sowings: We recommend 3 or 4 successive sowings every 3 weeks after initial sowing.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. Transplant when your nighttime temperatures are above 50°F.
Sprouts in: 5 – 10 Days
Plant Seeds (Depth): ¼"
Space Seeds: A group of 2 seeds every 12"
Row Spacing: 12"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Growing Info
Harvesting: Basil flavor is best before the plant flowers. Harvest up to 1/3 of the plant at a time, leaving enough for the plant to be healthy and keep producing. Harvest prior to a frost; basil is very frost sensitive.
- Monique M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsMay 29, 20245 Stars
Lemon basil seeds sprouted in less than a week to my surprise! Love the herby aroma, and excited to see them fully mature.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner - Melody O.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsMay 22, 20245 Stars
I can only say good things about my experience with Botanical Interests! Good prices, lovely packaging.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner - Denise W.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJun 19, 2026Smells delicious
My favorite basil so far, I have them growing all over
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningJun 24, 2026Hey Denise,
We're so excited to hear that Lemon Basil has become your favorite basil! That delicious citrusy fragrance is absolutely amazing, and it sounds like you're totally hooked with them growing all over your garden! Lemon basil really is something special with that incredible scent and flavor combination. It's so wonderful that you're having such great success with them spreading throughout your space. Thanks for sharing your fantastic lemon basil love with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Heidi G.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsDec 27, 2025Lemon Basil is the Best!
Walking through the garden and passing by Lemon Basil is other worldly. I love the smell! I pick bunches to put around the house.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningDec 30, 2025Hey Heidi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your beautiful experience with our Lemon Basil Seeds! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you love the amazing smell - there really is something magical about walking through the garden and catching that incredible lemon basil fragrance! What a wonderful idea to pick bunches to bring that beautiful scent inside your house. Lemon basil truly is something special! Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your growing success with us. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Valerie O.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsDec 10, 20245 Stars
I love BI seeds. I get really great germination and the packaging is lovely.
