Lemon Basil, Herb Seeds

Lemon Basil Seeds — Citrus-Scented Herb for Cooking & Companion Planting

Bright, clean, and unmistakably citrusy — Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum citriodorum) is the go-to herb for Southeast Asian cuisine and a fragrant favorite in any kitchen garden. Its delicate lemon scent and flavor elevate fish, poultry, rice dishes, herb vinegars, and sweet drinks. In Asia, the seeds are even used in desserts and refreshing beverages.

Easy to grow from seed, this compact, bushy annual is as beautiful in the garden as it is useful in the kitchen.

• 🍋 Delicate citrus-lemon fragrance and flavor — a Southeast Asian culinary staple
• 🌿 Compact bush habit — grows 26" tall, 10–14" wide with light green pointed leaves
• 🧄 Versatile in the kitchen — use fresh, dried, or frozen in savory and sweet dishes
• 🐛 Natural pest repellent — companion plant that deters aphids, mites & tomato hornworms
• 📦 Available in 6 sizes — from a 200-seed starter pack to a full 1 lb bulk bag

Growing Guide

Sow seeds outdoors after all frost danger has passed, or start indoors 4–8 weeks before last frost. Grow in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Pinch the center shoot after 6 weeks to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering. Remove flower stalks as they appear to keep leaves at peak flavor.

Harvest tip: Pick leaves just as flower buds begin to form for the most intense flavor. Use fresh, dry on a tray in a dark airy space, or freeze for later use.

Seed Specifications

• Type: Warm season annual | Open-pollinated, untreated
• USDA Zones: 4–9
• Maturity: ~80 days
• Germination: 5–14 days at 60°F
• Planting depth: ¼ inch | Spacing: 6 inches (rows 18" apart)
• Soil pH: 6.1–7.3 | Full sun | Keep moist until germination
• Planting season: Late spring / summer