Ocimum × africanum
Hoary basil · Lemon basil
Description
Source: leafsnapLemon 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.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 2 days
☀️ Light
🌡️ Temperature
A temperature of at least 65°F during the day and no less than 50°F at night is ideal for germination—the warmer, the better.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil
🌱 Fertilizer
Basil grows quickly and requires little to no fertilizer. If you wish to use fertilizer, a gentle application of a liquid fertilizer twice a season is required outside, and a diluted liquid solution every 3–4 weeks inside.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
As soon as your basil plant gets two sets of genuine leaves, pinch the leaves off the tips. This promotes the growth of full, bushy basil.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
To people and animals alike, all components of the Lemon Basil plant are non-toxic. In fact, it has been utilized as a flavor and odor enhancer in a variety of gourmet dishes all over the world.
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Perennial or annual herb
- Genus
- Ocimum
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Bloom Time
- Spring, summer, fall
- Native Area
- Central Africa to Southeast Asia