Lime

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic as fresh lime zest, this basil variety brings a bright, citrus-lifted fragrance that rises from every leaf.

Tender, medium-green foliage forms an upright, bushy habit with a smooth, velvety texture and a clean, sweet-herb flavor that shines in fresh garnishes and fragrant sauces. Grow it for a steady harvest of flavorful leaves from early summer through the season’s warmest stretches.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This lime-scented basil is all about the nose—sweet-herb flavor with a citrus zest lift that blooms in fresh applications. Use it late or raw so its fragrance doesn’t fade into the heat, and pair it with fats (olive oil, dairy) and sharp acid (lime) to make the aromatics pop.

Best Uses

tear-and-sniff fresh garnishes for tacos, grilled chicken, and salads
blend into pesto that stays bright instead of getting harsh
stir into yogurt or labneh with lime juice and salt for an herbaceous dip
finish hot soups, noodles, and stir-fries at the last minute to keep the citrus fragrance

Flavor Profile

citrus-lifted aroma like lime zest sweet, clean basil flavor velvety tender leaves with a gentle, cooling finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil yogurt fish sauce chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease problem for Ocimum basilicum (lime basil), and how can I prevent it?

A frequent issue is downy mildew, which shows as pale yellow patches on the upper leaves with gray-purple growth on the underside. Improve air circulation (space plants, avoid crowding) and water at the soil line early in the day to keep foliage dry. If you see it, remove affected leaves and discard them, then avoid harvesting wet foliage for a few days to slow spread.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during its main growth phase?

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In warm, full-sun conditions, this is often about 1–2 waterings per week, but adjust so water penetrates the root zone rather than just wetting the surface. Mulch lightly to reduce evaporation, especially if leaves start to wilt during the hottest part of the day.

How do I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 8–12 inches tall and have several sets of true leaves (usually around 60 days). Pinch or cut above a leaf pair to encourage branching, and start with light harvesting early, then take fuller harvests once the plant is well-leafed. If flowering starts, harvest promptly and prune back to maintain leaf quality and tenderness.