Basil Seeds - Basil Lime

155 Seeds.

Other Names - Citrus Basil…

The bright green leaves of basil lime adds a delightful citrus flavour to salads, stir-fries and herbal teas. The leaves have a mild lime fragrance which works very well alongside basil lemon in the garden.

• Sweet, mild citrus taste and fragrance.
• Pairs well with lemon basil.
• Adds a little zest to summer salads.

Suitable For - Containers, greenhouse, conservatory, sunny windowsill, vegetable plot, raised beds, patio's, window boxes, polytunnel

Sowing Months - Late February - May

Harvest - June - September

Uses - Tomato based dishes, seasoning in soups, pasta sauces, salads, poultry dishes, vinegar flavouring, herbal teas etc.

Soil Preperation

Add some well rotted manure or compost to the soil a few weeks before planting. If the soil is heavy clay or the drainage is poor mix in a generous amount of sand and gravel to the soil before planting. Remove any weeds. Use good quality compost if growing in containers.

Sowing Guide

Early Sowing/Module Sowing

Thinly sow basil seeds on the surface of moist, free draining compost in pots, modules or trays. The compost should not be sodden.
Cover the seeds with a light sprinkling of vermiculite or fine compost.
Place the container in a clear polythene bag and seal or if preferred place in a propagator. This will provide a humid and warm environment. Germinate at the temperature suggested above.
Once germination has started reduce the humidity and temperature by removing the newly emerged seedlings from the propagator or bag. Place in a warm location with good daylight exposure, however protect from direct contact with hot sun at this point.
Avoid overwatering the young seedlings. Ideally keep the compost slightly dry as more seedlings emerge.
When the seedlings are large enough to handle carefully transplant into 7 - 10 cm pots.
Grow on in cooler but not cold conditions. Protect from frost.
When the plants are growing strong and all risk of frost has passed plant out into their final growing position at the distance suggested above.
To help prevent shock, harden off over 10 - 15 days before planting out. This will give the young basil plants time to acclimatise to the outdoor temperatures slowly.

Direct Sowing

Direct sowing is not recommended.

Growing On

Basil dislikes sodden, waterlogged conditions. Avoid overwatering especially on cold, dull days.
Water the base of the plants rather than wetting the leaves.
Basil will thrive in warm sheltered conditions and will struggle in cold draughts.
To prolong the harvesting period regularly pinch out any flower stems that appear.
Container grown basil especially will benefit from a regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.
The plants will start to fade and die when the cold nights and the shorter days with poorer sunlight arrive in autumn.

Harvesting

Harvesting can start as soon as the plants are a good size and are growing strong.
Pick the larger leaves regularly throughout the growing season to encourage more leafy growth.
Basil leaves are best when eaten fresh, however they can be stored in the fridge in a polythene bag for 5 - 7 days.
The tender leaves can be dried or frozen for later use.