basil, lemon

latin name: ocimum americanum

zone:  Z10
type: annual
light: full sun
height: 12-18” (30-45 cm)

description:  Bushy tender annual with thin, narrowly ovate, slight lime-green leaves.  Intensely citrus-scented leaves.  Small white flowers are followed by lemon-scented seeds.   Leaves are great for flavoring any dish where a hint of lemon is desired along with the basil flavour.  

harvest:  Pick leaves throughout the growing season to use fresh or dry.  Cut off flower heads to encourage continued new growth throughout the summer.  Never harvest more than 1/3 of the plant at a time.  Also, the more you harvest, the more your plant will produce.    

culinary notes:  Leaves are used with fish and chicken, and in herb vinegars.  This herb also makes a delightful summer ice tea drink.  
extra tip:  In our northern climate basil is very sensitive to over watering and colder nights.  It is best potted in pots which can be moved indoors during late spring when the night temperatures are still below 10 degrees Celsius.  Basil can be planted in the gardens once the night temperatures rise above 10 degrees Celsius.