What is lime basil? A close cousin to the more common lemon
basil, lime basil herb has a zesty flavor and a sweet, citrusy aroma. Lime
basil is used in a variety of dishes, including chicken, fish, sauces, fruit
salad and Thai dishes. It also makes delicious, refreshing iced tea. Growing
lime basil isn’t difficult, and the herbs can be planted in the garden or grown
in containers. You can even grow lime basil plants indoors on a bright, sunny
windowsill. Read on to learn more about this citrus
basil variety.
How to Grow Lime Basil
Lime basil plants are commonly grown as annuals. However,
the plant is perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Place the
plant where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Lime basil herb requires well-drained soil. If drainage is
poor, dig in a little compost before planting. If you’re growing lime basil
herb in a container, use a good quality commercial potting mix.
You can start lime basil seeds indoors in late winter, about
six to eight weeks ahead of the last frost in your climate. However, most
gardeners prefer to buy starter plants at a nursery or garden center.
Allow 12 to 16 inches (25-35 cm.) between plants. Lime basil
prefers good air circulation and doesn’t do well in a crowded bed.
Check potted basil plants daily during hot weather as
conditions dry out quickly. Keep the foliage as dry as possible to prevent
disease. Avoid sprinklers and, instead, use a hose to water
basil plants at the base.
Feed lime basil plants every four to six weeks during spring
and summer using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid
over feeding, which will weaken the citrusy flavor.
Snip leaves and stems and use them in the kitchen as often as you like. The tangy flavor is most pronounced when the plant is harvested before blooming. Cut lime basil back if the plant begins to look spindly. Regular trimming will keep the plant bushy and compact.
What is lime basil? A close cousin to the more common lemon
basil, lime basil herb has a zesty flavor and a sweet, citrusy aroma. Lime
basil is used in a variety of dishes, including chicken, fish, sauces, fruit
salad and Thai dishes. It also makes delicious, refreshing iced tea. Growing
lime basil isn’t difficult, and the herbs can be planted in the garden or grown
in containers. You can even grow lime basil plants indoors on a bright, sunny
windowsill. Read on to learn more about this citrus
basil variety.
How to Grow Lime Basil
Lime basil plants are commonly grown as annuals. However,
the plant is perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Place the
plant where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Lime basil herb requires well-drained soil. If drainage is
poor, dig in a little compost before planting. If you’re growing lime basil
herb in a container, use a good quality commercial potting mix.
You can start lime basil seeds indoors in late winter, about
six to eight weeks ahead of the last frost in your climate. However, most
gardeners prefer to buy starter plants at a nursery or garden center.
Allow 12 to 16 inches (25-35 cm.) between plants. Lime basil
prefers good air circulation and doesn’t do well in a crowded bed.
Check potted basil plants daily during hot weather as
conditions dry out quickly. Keep the foliage as dry as possible to prevent
disease. Avoid sprinklers and, instead, use a hose to water
basil plants at the base.
Feed lime basil plants every four to six weeks during spring
and summer using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid
over feeding, which will weaken the citrusy flavor.
Snip leaves and stems and use them in the kitchen as often as you like. The tangy flavor is most pronounced when the plant is harvested before blooming. Cut lime basil back if the plant begins to look spindly. Regular trimming will keep the plant bushy and compact.