Sweet Lemon Dan

Basil

65d to harvest

A bright, sunlit burst of lemon fragrance rises from Sweet Lemon Dan basil—zesty and aromatic, with a sweet herbal finish that feels almost candied. The leaves form a lush, tender texture with a smooth, medium-green surface, ideal for fresh use and for flavoring sauces and finishing touches where its citrus lift can shine. Grow it for a fragrant harvest that turns everyday meals into something vivid and garden-fresh.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 27th
Last Frost	Apr 10th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 5th
Harvest Begins	Aug 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
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

Recommended Companions

Red Cherry Large Fruited Tomato

Lemon Gem Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Ocimum basilicum (sweet lemon basil), and how do I treat it?

Basil commonly suffers from downy mildew (often showing yellow patches on leaves with gray-purple growth on the underside) and from aphids that cluster on tender tips. Remove infected leaves early and improve airflow by spacing plants; avoid wetting foliage when watering. For aphids, rinse clusters off with a strong spray of water, then apply insecticidal soap only on affected plants and re-check every 2–3 days.

How can I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are at least 6–8 inches tall and have developed several pairs of true leaves (typically around 55–65 days). Take cuts just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching, and harvest regularly to prevent early flowering and to keep stems tender. If flower buds form, pinch them out or harvest immediately for the best leaf quality.