Lime Bob

Basil

55d to harvest

Lime Bob basil bursts with a bright, citrus-lime fragrance that seems to lift the air the moment you brush its leaves. The foliage is tender and finely textured, with vivid chartreuse-green leaves that hold their color beautifully as the plants mature in about 55 days. Grow it for its aromatic punch—ideal for fresh leaf use, fragrant garnishes, and vibrant pesto-style sauces, and it also shines when dried for a sunny, herbaceous pantry.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common problem for Ocimum basilicum (lime basil), and how do I treat it?

A frequent issue is downy mildew (often seen as yellow patches on top leaves with gray-purple growth on the underside) during warm, humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves, water only at the base (not overhead), and space plants for airflow; if it’s spreading quickly, use a labeled garden fungicide according to the product directions. Keep the plant in full sun so foliage dries faster between waterings.

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

During active growth, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In most home gardens, this is about every 2–3 days in warm weather, but less often if your soil stays cool or holds moisture. Water thoroughly at the base until excess drains, then don’t let the pot/bed sit in standing water.

How can I tell when lime basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and have sturdy leaf pairs, typically around 50–55 days from sowing. Harvest by cutting above a leaf pair to encourage branching; for best flavor, pick leaves before the plant flowers. If you see bud formation, begin harvesting more frequently (or plan to remove buds) to maintain tender leaf growth.