Lemon Basil is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching up to 70 cm in height, known for its unpretentiousness to growing conditions and cold hardiness. It tolerates shade and partial shade well, allowing successful cultivation near berry bushes and other crops. Lemon Basil does not require winter cover and can grow in the same place for up to five years, annually forming daughter bulbs at the base of stalks from which new plants develop.
The plant has long, narrow, flat, and fleshy leaves ranging from 30 to 60 cm in length, with an intense dark green color and a slight waxy coating. The bulb is elongated, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, and the fruit weighs between 35 and 60 g. Lemon Basil blooms in summer, producing small purple inflorescences. The leaves have a semi-sharp, weakly lemony taste and do not become tough until autumn, making them an excellent ingredient for salads, soups, and other dishes. Additionally, the plant contains significant amounts of carotene and ascorbic acid.
Besides culinary use, Lemon Basil is used for decorative landscaping of flower beds and gardens, both as single and group plantings. Thanks to its aromatic properties, it helps protect neighboring plants from diseases and pests, similar to garlic and onion. The plant is a good source of nectar and begins active growth in early spring, continuing to develop until autumn without leaf yellowing.
