SproutSmart
SproutSmart Intelligent Garden Sowing

Mrs. Burn's Lemon

Basil

Planting Schedule

Add Mrs. Burn's Lemon to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Mrs. Burn's Lemon
50d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 20th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Frequently Asked Questions


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.
Botanical illustration of Mrs. Burn's Lemon

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.