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Lemon Sweet Dan

Basil
Zone 8a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Lemon Sweet Dan to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Lemon Sweet Dan
45d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsFeb 18th
Last FrostApr 1st
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsMay 27th
Harvest BeginsJul 11th
Harvest EndsNov 5th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity45
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 Lemon Sweet Dan in Zone 8a typically begins around 2026-05-27. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Lemon Sweet Dan.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 8a, the average last spring frost is around April 01. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Lemon Sweet Dan.

Recommended Companions

Lemon Gem Marigold
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Felix Peppers
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Goliath Griller Tomato
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Goliath Original Hybrid Tomato
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Durango Red Marigold
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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.
Botanical illustration of Lemon Sweet Dan

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.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Lemon Sweet Dan in Zone 8a typically begins around 2026-05-27. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Lemon Sweet Dan.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 8a, the average last spring frost is around April 01. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Lemon Sweet Dan.

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.