Lemon Sweet Dan

Basil

Zone 13a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Lemon Sweet Dan

🌱 45d to harvest Upright

Sunlit and vivid, Lemon Sweet Dan basil releases a bright, lemony perfume with a sweet, gently herbal finish that lingers on the …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 20th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	Apr 12th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a common pest or disease on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), and how can I prevent or treat it?

On Ocimum basilicum, downy mildew shows as yellow patches on the upper leaf surface with a gray-purple fuzzy growth underneath, often after cool, humid nights. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at soil level, then remove badly infected leaves early to slow spread. If it’s recurring, use a preventative copper-based fungicide according to label directions, especially when weather turns damp.

How often should I water lemon sweet basil during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active growth, keep the root zone evenly moist but never waterlogged—aim for soil that stays lightly damp 1 inch (2–3 cm) below the surface. In warm weather in full sun, this often means watering about once every 2–3 days, and sooner if the top layer dries out. Water in the morning and ensure drainage so stems and leaves don’t stay wet overnight.

How do I know when lemon sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall and have several pairs of mature leaves, typically around the 45-day mark. Pick when leaves are fully developed but before the plant starts extensive flowering; pinch or snip just above a leaf pair to encourage branching. For best flavor, harvest on a dry morning and avoid removing more than about one-third of the plant at a time.

Sunlit and vivid, Lemon Sweet Dan basil releases a bright, lemony perfume with a sweet, gently herbal finish that lingers on the palate. The leaves are tender and velvety, forming lush, compact mounds of medium-green foliage with a distinctly citrus-tinged aroma. Ideal for fresh use—tossed into salads, stirred into sauces, and used to crown summer dishes with a fragrant, lemon-bright signature.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start seeds indoors early but transplant only once night temps are reliably warm (soil ~60°F+) to avoid cold-stunting, then keep plants evenly watered for best fruit set.