How to Grow Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil
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Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil
Ocimum × citriodorum 'Mrs. Burns'
herbMrs. Burns' Lemon Basil is a hybrid basil variety that combines the aromatic qualities of sweet basil with a pronounced lemon fragrance and flavor. This cultivar produces small, delicate leaves on a compact, bushy plant that reaches 12-18 inches tall. It's prized by culinary enthusiasts for its bright citrus notes that enhance both sweet and savory dishes.
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Example Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; grows as annual in cooler zones or indoors
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Seedling
7-10 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons followed by first true leaves. Plant is very delicate and tender.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F), maintain consistent moisture, provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to strongest specimens.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysPlant develops multiple stems and increasingly more leaves. Compact, bushy form emerges. Foliage displays distinctive lemon scent when brushed.
Pinch off top growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness. Water consistently. Begin light fertilizing when 4-6 inches tall.
Leaf Production Peak
30-45 daysPlant reaches mature size (12-18 inches) with abundant, fragrant foliage. Leaves are tender and optimally flavorful.
Harvest frequently to maintain productivity and bushiness. Remove any flower buds that appear. Maintain regular watering and light feeding.
Flowering
Variable; begins around day 50-70If not harvested regularly, plant produces delicate white to pale purple flower spikes. Flowering reduces leaf quality and quantity.
Pinch off flower buds as they appear to extend leaf production season. If allowing flowers for pollinators, reduce harvesting.
Maturity/Decline
Varies by climate; 2-4 months in containersPlant may become woody and less productive. Flavor can become more bitter as plant prioritizes seed production.
In warm climates, consider replanting for continuous supply. In cooler zones, plan end-of-season harvest and plant next crop indoors.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use neem oil spray; introduce parasitic wasps; remove damaged leaves
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity; spray with neem oil; use sulfur spray; maintain adequate air circulation
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Use sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; vacuum adults off leaves; improve air flow
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering; remove affected plants; rotate planting locations
Uses
Beverages & Infusions
CulinaryFresh lemon basil leaves make refreshing iced teas, lemonades, and cocktails. The bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with both hot and cold beverages, and adds sophisticated aromatic complexity to herbal tea blends. [source]
Desserts & Sweet Dishes
CulinaryLemon basil complements fruit desserts, sorbets, fruit salads, and sugar-based dishes better than traditional sweet basil. Its natural lemon notes enhance lemon cakes, berries, and citrus-forward recipes without added acid. [source]
Savory Cooking
CulinaryUse fresh leaves in fish dishes, chicken recipes, pasta, vinaigrettes, and Mediterranean cooking. Pairs exceptionally well with seafood, light sauces, and aromatic grains like risotto. [source]
Fragrance & Aromatherapy
HouseholdDry the leaves for sachets, potpourri, and aromatic crafts. The distinctive lemon-basil scent is uplifting and fresh, making it popular for home fragrance applications. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalLemon basil contains volatile oils with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties traditionally used for digestive support and general wellness. Prepare as a light tea or culinary infusion. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when plant is 6-8 inches tall by pinching off top 1-2 inches of stems. Continue harvesting frequently throughout the season to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for maximum fragrance and flavor. Use fresh leaves immediately or dry for storage. Remove flower buds as they appear to extend productive leaf-harvesting period.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil is a sterile hybrid, meaning it produces few or no viable seeds—this actually benefits gardeners because the plant channels all energy into leaf production rather than reproduction, making it extraordinarily productive when flower buds are removed.
- 🌱 The lemon fragrance in this basil comes from limonene, the same compound that gives lemon peel its characteristic scent, making it unique among basil varieties and surprisingly distinct from any mint family plant.
- 🌱 Lemon basil is prized in molecular gastronomy and fine dining for creating basil-infused oils and foams that have a sophisticated citrus note without adding actual lemon juice, which would change the pH and texture of dishes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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