Lemon Basil
How to grow & use Lemon basil
Equipment
- Plant pot & soil
- 1 Seed tray (optional)
- 1 Heating mat (optional)
Seeds
- 1 packet Lemon basil seeds
Instructions
The first step is to get the basil seeds.
- You can order them online from Amazon or some garden centres will sell them.
The next stage is to put the seeds in the soil.
- Fill a plant pot (or a few pots ) with soil, then add the seeds and sprinkle a bit of soil on top.
- Quick tip – If you put the seeds into a bowl of water for 30 minutes to 1 hour they will start growing quicker then simply putting them in soil.
- Quick tip – Instead of using plants pots start the seeds using a seed tray with a lid. The advantage of using a lid is that it will retain the moisture helping your plants grow. Simply put a bit of soil in the tray, spoon in the seeds and cover with a bit of soil.
Then simply put the pot or tray somewhere safe and leave them to sprout.
- The seeds will germinate in 5 to 15 days.
- Quick tip – Use a heat mat. All you do is put the tray on the mat and the extra heat will significantly speed up how fast your seeds will grow.
- For more info & why it works so well have a look at our article on a seed starter mat
Help them grow
- When they’ve grown thin the seedlings or transplant leaving 30 cm between plants, Then simple put them somewhere warm and sunny and wait for them to grow.
- One option (depending on the time of year or where you live) is to use an indoor grow light.
Notes
How to grow basil using Hydroponics or Aquaponics.
Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow using hydroponics – As it will be ready to be harvested quicker than planted in soil.
New to hydroponics? – Top 5 hydroponic kits for beginners
But in addition it is ideal for aquaponics – especially because it loves nitrogen. In addition, whether using hydroponics or aquaponics you will be able to grow it all year around – providing you with fresh herbs when you want it.
2. What is lemon basil used for
This is the ideal herb if you like cooking South Asian or North East African Dishes.
For example Indonesian, Philippine or Arabic…
The unique flavour is a must. In addition a key benefit is that it can be used in many different ways – for example eaten raw with a salad, used to season many cooked dishes or even used in sweet desserts.
Example recipes:
- Indonesian Eggs with Spicy Basil Sauce (Telur Bumbu Kemangi)
- Manipuri Lemon Basil Fritters (See video below)
- Nam Ya Pork Curry with Khanom Chin
3. Examples of popular recipes that use Lemon basil
The type of basil you use will differ depending on the flavour you need, as well as recipe requirements.
Below are some examples of popular ways of using lemon basil in cooking.
Lemon basil pistou pasta with cocktail sausages
Lemon Basil chicken stir fry
Especially if you use a lot of lemon in your recipes than this basil is well worth growing. Lovely taste, even when used fresh.