Mrs. Burn's Lemon

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Sunlit and unmistakably fragrant, Mrs.

Burn’s Lemon basil unfurls with bright, lemony perfume that rises from the first touch of its leaves. The foliage forms a compact, upright mound of tender, medium-green leaves with a softly ruffled texture and a vivid, citrus-leaning flavor that shines fresh and stays lively when used to scent and finish dishes. Grow it for its aromatic presence in the garden—then harvest often to keep the plant lush, bushy, and richly perfumed through the season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Mrs. Burn's Lemon

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 6th
Harvest Begins	Jul 26th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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

Mrs. Burn’s Lemon basil is the kind of basil that smells like you’re already halfway to the dish—citrus-forward and fragrant without the harsh bite. Use it fresh or add at the last second so those lemony volatiles stay bright instead of dulling into plain green heat.

Best Uses

tear-and-stir fresh into warm rice or potatoes just off the heat
finish grilled fish or shellfish with torn leaves and olive oil
make a quick lemony pesto-style sauce (pulse with nuts, cheese, and a splash of acid)
steep into vinaigrettes or marinades for a citrus-tinged herbal lift

Flavor Profile

bright lemon-citrus aroma clean, sweet-basil leafiness tender, softly ruffled bite lively, fragrant finish that doesn’t get bitter fast

Kitchen Pairings

extra-virgin olive oil garlic lemon juice or zest sea salt and cracked black pepper parmesan white fish or shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Ocimum basilicum (basil) like Mrs. Burn’s Lemon, and what should I do?

Basil is prone to downy mildew and leaf-spot issues, especially with cool, humid nights and wet foliage. Water the soil at the base in the morning, remove any yellowing or spotted leaves, and improve airflow by spacing plants so leaves don’t touch. If you see fuzzy gray/white growth on leaf undersides or spreading spots, discard heavily affected plants to prevent the problem from building up in your bed or container.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase?

During active growth (after it’s established and before harvest), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy. In full sun, this usually means watering about 2–3 times per week, but only when the surface starts to dry—containers often need more frequent checks than in-ground beds. Avoid letting the soil stay wet for long periods, since basil can develop mildew and root stress when waterlogged.

How can I tell when Mrs. Burn’s Lemon basil is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 8–10 inches tall and have a healthy set of leaves, typically around 50 days from sowing. Pinch or snip just above a pair of leaves (or above a node) to encourage branching; don’t remove more than about one-third of the plant at a time. If you see the first flower buds forming, begin lighter harvesting because basil quality declines once it starts flowering.