SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Lime

Basil
Zone 11b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Lime to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Lime
60d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 30th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity60
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

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Lime in Zone 11b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Lime.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Recommended Companions

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Red Gem Marigold
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Arkansas Traveler Tomato
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African Marigold Marigold
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Purly Chives
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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 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.
Botanical illustration of Lime

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.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Lime in Zone 11b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Lime.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Warm, fast growth: keep seedlings at steady warmth (no cool nights) and harvest often by pinching above a leaf pair to encourage bushy growth.