SPERLI Zitronenbasilikum Citrus

Basil with a lemon note: Citrus grows to around 40 cm, thrives in sun and partial shade and can be harvested into October.

The story

Origins & history

Lemon-scented basil is especially at home in Southeast Asia. It is an essential part of Thai, Lao and Indonesian cooking – in Indonesia it is known as kemangi. From there it has found its way into European gardens and kitchens.

Uses

Lemon basil goes well with fish, poultry, curries, salads and fruit; it is also lovely in lemonade or iced tea. The aroma is at its best when the leaves are added just before serving.

Meaning

A herb that unites two worlds: botanically a basil, in scent a lemon. In Asia it is often served raw on the side – a fresh leaf with rice, quite naturally.

A thought for giving

A basil that smells of lemon reminds us that even the familiar can surprise. Sometimes it is worth taking a second, closer sniff at what we think we know.

At a glance

• Contents: 1 packet for approx. 150 plants
• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
• Life cycle: annual
• Height: 40 cm
• Position: sunny, partial shade
• Suitable for containers: yes (raised bed, container, pot)
• Sow indoors: all year round
• Sow outdoors: May–July
• Harvest: July–October
• Sowing depth: 0–0.5 cm
• Germination temperature: 20–25 °C
• Germination time: 14–21 days
• Plant spacing: 25 cm
• Row spacing: 30 cm
• Seed type: loose seed
• Fragrant: yes

How to sow

1. Start on a windowsill all year round in Anzuchterde in the Premium-Anzuchtplatte; sow outdoors from May to July.
2. Cover the seeds only very thinly (0–0.5 cm).
3. Keep evenly moist at 20–25 °C; germination takes 14–21 days.
4. Plant in sun or partial shade in a pot, container or raised bed, 25 cm apart.

Delivery time: 1–2 weeks. Manufacturer: SPERLI GmbH. Seeds, not a plant – the image shows the original packet.

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