Basil 'Mrs. Burns' Lemon'
Ocimum basilicum var. citriodora
Mrs. Burns’ Lemon is an ethereal basil with bright-green leaves, dainty white flowers, and a colorful history. It’s intense citrus flavor and clean bright scent make it a fabulous bouquet filler, tea, and addition to rice dishes. Fast-growing, abundant filler–I adore this basil!
This basil has been saved since at least the 1920s and was stewarded by Janet Ann Burns, mother of Barney T. Burns, who was one of the founders of Native Seeds/SEARCH. It was once almost lost (read the true tale here).
You could say that I have a thing for basil😂. One year I grew over 20 cultivars, a bit much! But I mean, what's not to love? Basil is as incredible in the kitchen as it is in the cut-flower garden.
While this ancient plant has been cultivated for thousands of years for culinary, medicinal, and spiritual purposes, it has also gradually gained popularity in floral design, where it is prized as a fragrant filler.
I included my Top 7 Basil Varieties in our seed launch, each one was selected for its unique properties.
Packet contains approximately 150 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Days to maturity: 60 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 4–8” apart in rows 18” apart (culinary)
Plant Spacing: 9–12” (cut flower production)
Plant height: 20–24 inches
Hybrid status: Open pollinated
SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 5–10 days at 65–70°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 6 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost. Basil is very sensitive to cold. May also be direct sown.
Harvest
Harvest once plants have become established. Cut during the coolest parts of the day to avoid wilting.
For cut flowers, harvest as soon as flowers begin to form or when stems become hardy. Cut during the coolest parts of the day, and immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems into boiling water or Quick Dip solution, then place into cool water. Do not store in cooler.
Expected vase life: 7 to 10 days.
For culinary purposes, harvest before the plants start to flower. Cut the entire plant 4-6" above the ground to promote future growth. Leaves are easily bruised when picking, so handle with care and do not store at less than 50°F.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
