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Lime Basil Seeds

Scientific name Ocimum americanum

Seed packet & garden essentials

What to know before you plant

View complete growing & care facts
300 minimum seeds per packet
  • Maturity50-59 Days · 50-59 Days
  • Life cycleAnnual · 19–24 in tall
  • Best usekitchen gardens, containers, fresh harvest, drying, and pollinator support
  • Flavor & characterLime basil is a distinctive basil variety loved for its bright citrus fragrance, lively flavor, and attractive garden presence.
  • Germination5–10 Days days · 70–85 °F
  • Seed preparationUse clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation
  • SunFull sun
  • Support & spacingNo-Support · space 18 in · rows 18 in
  • Container fitWell suited to containers when soil volume, drainage, sunlight, and regular moisture match the mature plant
  • Water needsModerate
  • SoilLoamy · pH 6.5–7.0
  • Planting seasonLate Spring · blooms Summer · Tender
$150 USD $200
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Triple-tested seed qualityRegular quality and germination checks support every packet.

We regularly test seed quality and germination as lots move through storage and packing. We stand behind the seed we send and want customers to contact us when a packet does not perform as reasonably expected.

1-year seed warrantyCoverage begins on the date of purchase.

When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from the date of purchase. Conditions outside our control—including extreme weather, pests, unsuitable storage, and gardener error—are excluded. Contact us when something is not right so we can review the situation and work toward a replacement, refund, or another fair resolution.

Non-GMO / BE seed policyWe do not buy or sell genetically engineered or bioengineered seed.

Every seed variety we sell is non-GMO.

USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard defines bioengineered foods as containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA methods in ways not achievable through conventional breeding or found in nature.

  • Hybrid means parent lines were conventionally crossed; hybrid does not mean GMO.
  • Heirloom and open-pollinated describe how a variety is maintained and reproduced.
  • Organic certification is separate and is shown only when verified for the individual product.
Packed in Colerain, North CarolinaPrepared in our seed room for gardens across the country.

Seeds are packed and shipped from Colerain, North Carolina. Our packets use forestry-certified paper, and we use recyclable paper mailers where appropriate. AONSK is also a 1% for the Planet partner while continuing to reduce waste in packing and fulfillment.

Seed success profile

Rules-based · no AI
Gardener experience Beginner-friendly
Germination difficulty Straightforward
Preparation before sowing
Use clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation
Germination speed
Typical — usually 7–21 days
Growing complexity
Harvest-focused herb requiring crop-specific pruning, flowering, or seed management
Patience and timing
50-59 Days
Is this seed a good match for your experience?
Expected germination
5–10 Days
Germination temperature
70–85 °F
Stratification
Not normally required by the current record
Scarification
Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking
Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination
Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination pattern
Usually reliable when seed is stored well and temperature, depth, moisture, and preparation match the recorded requirements
Transplant sensitivity
Use the crop-specific starting method and minimize unnecessary root disturbance
Starting method
Cataloged for indoor starting or transplanting; follow the hardening-off guidance.
Best chance of success
For Lime Basil Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.
What to expect

Preparation: Use clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation. Germination light: Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence. Expected emergence: 5-10 Days. Temperature: 70-85 °F.

Slow germination is not automatically failed germination.

Maintain the listed temperature, moisture, light, and treatment conditions for the full expected window. Some seed lots emerge gradually rather than all at once.

1 Beginner-friendly 2 One extra step 3 Some experience helpful 4 Patient growers 5 Advanced propagation

This deterministic profile uses recorded product facts; it is not Artificial Intelligence and is not a guarantee. Seed age, storage, sowing depth, moisture, temperature, light, local conditions, and aftercare can all affect results. Last reviewed July 2026.

Build a garden-fit plan

Check this seed against your real growing conditions

Compare timing, germination preparation, sunlight, soil, water, space, support, intended use, and your preferred level of seed-starting complexity.

Open the detailed garden-fit planner Deterministic rules · no Artificial Intelligence · no live weather service

Complete product description

Lime Basil Seeds

Lime basil is a distinctive basil variety loved for its bright citrus fragrance, lively flavor, and attractive garden presence. These Basil Seeds - Lime produce aromatic plants with flavorful leaves that add a fresh, zesty note to drinks, salads, sauces, teas, and summer cooking. Fast growing and easy to harvest, this variety is ideal for gardeners who want a basil with unusual character and strong kitchen versatility.

Minimum Seed Count: 300 seeds

Every recorded growing detail

Complete growing & care facts

Continue to the garden-fit planner

Plant identity

Minimum seed count 300 seeds
Seed product profile Culinary herb
Scientific name Ocimum americanum
Also known as Basil, Basil Seeds - Lime
Life cycle Annual
Botanical family Lamiaceae
Reproductive type Open-Pollinated (OP)
Heritage qualifiers Non-GMO
Native to the United States Domesticated Plant
Domestication note Africa – East / Southern Africa

Seed success and gardener experience

Gardener experience Beginner-friendlyLevel 2 of 5
Germination difficulty StraightforwardLevel 2 of 5
Preparation before sowing Use clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation
Stratification Not normally required by the current record
Scarification Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination pattern Usually reliable when seed is stored well and temperature, depth, moisture, and preparation match the recorded requirements
Growing complexity Harvest-focused herb requiring crop-specific pruning, flowering, or seed management
Transplant sensitivity Use the crop-specific starting method and minimize unnecessary root disturbance
First harvest or bloom 50-59 Days
Best chance of success For Lime Basil Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.

Timing and climate

Days to maturity 50-59 Days
Germination 5–10 Days
Germination temperature 70–85 °F
Planting season Late Spring
Bloom season Summer
Frost tolerance Tender
Sunlight Full sun
Water needs Moderate

Site, soil, and space

Soil type Loamy
Preferred soil pH 6.5–7.0
Seed depth 1/4 in
Plant spacing 18 in
Row spacing 18 in
Mature height 19–24 in
Support needed No-Support
Suitable growing locations Container, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Greenhouse, Community Garden, Indoor Growing

Crop-specific details

Flavor profile Lime basil is a distinctive basil variety loved for its bright citrus fragrance, lively flavor, and attractive garden presence.

Garden-fit planning for this variety

Will Lime Basil Seeds fit your garden?

Check container space, harvest use, life cycle, light, moisture, and sowing method.

Rules-based · no AI
Questions for this culinary herb seed
Seed-starting fit and patience
Recorded product profileBeginner-friendlyStraightforwardRead why
Soil test, pH, drainage, and amendment calculator Have a laboratory soil report? Enter pH, nutrients, texture, bed size, and site observations here. Open soil tools
Recorded soil typeLoamy
Recorded pH range6.5–7.0
Water needsModerate
LightFull sun

Use a current laboratory soil test

Soil-test interpreter

Compare your report with this product's listed pH target: 6.5–7.0.

This tool interprets values you enter; it does not replace laboratory or Cooperative Extension amendment rates. Soil test methods and nutrient recommendations vary by region.

The full variety record

Sowing, care, harvest, troubleshooting, and history

How to start Lime Basil Seeds from seedPreparation, timing, depth, germination, transplanting, spacing, and early care

Variety-specific germination notes

Preparation: Use clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation. Germination light: Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence. Expected emergence: 5-10 Days. Temperature: 70-85 °F.

Complete sowing and planting guidance

Planting Instructions:

Location Selection: Choose a location with full sun for best growth. Basil thrives in well-lit areas.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Basil prefers loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sowing Seeds:

Direct Sowing: Sow the seeds directly outdoors in late spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and cover with soil.
Indoor Starting: For an earlier start, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use seed-starting trays filled with a seed-starting mix. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 5-10 days. Maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil during this period.
Transplanting: If starting indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Space the seedlings 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.

Care Instructions:

Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant foliage.
Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning: Pinch off the top sets of leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plants from flowering too early.
Pests and Diseases: Basil is relatively pest and disease-free but can occasionally be affected by aphids or downy mildew. If necessary, treat with insecticidal soap or fungicide.
Special Considerations:

Harvesting: Harvest leaves regularly by pinching them off at the stem to encourage new growth. Basil leaves are best used fresh but can also be dried or frozen for later use.
How to grow this specific varietyLight, water, fertility, support, spacing, airflow, crop behavior, and season-long care

Complete growing guide

How to grow Basil: choose a site with the listed sunlight and soil requirements. Water consistently, avoid overcrowding, and monitor plants for pests, disease, and nutrient stress. Harvest at the proper stage for best flavor and seed quality.
Practical field and garden tipsExtra techniques, timing adjustments, and observations that improve success
Additional tips for Basil: succession plant when appropriate, label varieties clearly, and keep good garden notes on germination, vigor, flavor, and harvest timing so you can compare varieties season to season.
Harvest, storage, uses, and benefitsWhen and how to harvest, ways to use the crop, storage, culinary value, habitat value, and garden roles

Uses and benefits

Uses and Benefits:
Lime Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Lime') is known for its citrusy aroma and flavor, adding a refreshing twist to culinary dishes. It is commonly used in Mexican and Thai cuisine, as well as in salads, marinades, and beverages.

Basil has been used in traditional medicine for its potential to support digestive health, reduce stress, and boost the immune system. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas, tinctures, and culinary applications. Lime Basil is also known for its antioxidant properties.
Seed saving and carrying the variety forwardPollination, isolation, selection, harvest, cleaning, drying, and storage
Saving seeds from Lime Basil (Ocimum basilicum):

1. Selecting Plants for Seed Saving:

Choose healthy plants with aromatic, lime-scented leaves.
Avoid plants showing signs of disease or poor growth.
2. Harvesting Seeds:

Timing: Allow the flower spikes to dry on the plant.
Collection: Harvest the dry flower spikes on a dry day.
3. Drying Seeds:

Place the flower spikes in a paper bag or on a screen in a well-ventilated, dry area. Allow them to dry completely for one to two weeks.
4. Cleaning Seeds:

Separation: Rub the flower spikes to release the seeds.
Inspection: Ensure seeds are clean and free from mold or pests.
5. Storing Seeds:

Containers: Store seeds in labeled paper envelopes or airtight containers.
Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Viability: Use seeds within two to three years for best results.
6. Testing Seed Viability:

Test by placing seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in a warm place and check for germination.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving:

Isolation: Maintain distance between different basil varieties.
Pollinators: Encourage pollinators for better seed production.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the process.
Common pests, diseases, and growing problemsIdentification, prevention, crop-safe response, and when intervention is justified

Complete pest and problem guide

Common pests and problems for Basil: monitor for chewing insects, sap-sucking insects, fungal leaf spots, damping off, poor germination from cold or dry soil, and stress from inconsistent watering. Use crop rotation, spacing, mulch, and good airflow to reduce pressure.
Questions gardeners ask about this seedProduct-specific answers for sowing, care, harvest, use, and seed saving
Frequently Asked Questions — Basil

Q: When should I plant Basil?
A: Follow the planting season listed on this product page and adjust for your local frost dates.

Q: How deep should I sow the seeds?
A: Use the seed depth listed in the growing facts.

Q: Can I save seed from this variety?
A: Open-pollinated varieties can generally be saved when properly isolated and selected; hybrids may not grow true to type.
History, provenance, and cultural contextWhat is documented, what is reported, what remains uncertain, and how the variety reached gardeners

Scientific name: Ocimum americanum

Plant and variety history

Basil Seeds - Lime belongs to a diverse cultivated plant lineage shaped by regional gardeners, farmers, and seedkeepers over time. Its continued presence in gardens reflects selection for usefulness, beauty, resilience, flavor, or cultural value.

Continue planning

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Customer experience

Reviews for Lime Basil Seeds

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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Carol Redmon (United States)

OMG! I LOVE this basil! I frequently cut it up in salads. It has a nicely subtle citrus flavor.

Hi Carol, we're thrilled to hear you love the basil! Glad the flavor is doing you well as well! Thanks for sharing your experience!

D
Danielle Brown (United States)

this is my favorite basil!
hard to find as starts, so I thought I would try growing it from seed.
Seeds sprouted and sprouts grew into a healthy basil stand.