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

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

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

Recommended Companions

Lemon Gem Marigold

Sweet Dani Lemon Basil Basil

Felix Peppers

Tulsi Wildlife Basil

Marigold Marigold

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 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.