Lemon Basil, also known as Hoary Basil, Thai Lemon Basil or Lao Basil, is a fragrant culinary herb loved for its vibrant green leaves, fresh lemon aroma and distinctive citrus flavour.
This versatile basil is commonly used in Arab, Indonesian, Filipino, Lao, Malay, Indian, Persian and Thai cuisine. It thrives in warm conditions and is suitable for both garden beds and container growing.
A healthy live Lemon Basil seedling, ready to transplant into garden beds, herb gardens or containers for fresh culinary harvesting.
Approx. 30–60 cm tall
Approx. 60–90 days after planting
Glossy green, slightly serrated leaves
Fresh lemon scent and citrus basil flavour
Warm position with well-drained soil
Salads, marinades, sauces, seafood, chicken and teas
Characteristics
The plant prefers warm growing conditions and well-drained soil, making it ideal for sunny herb gardens, vegetable beds and containers.
Regular harvesting helps keep the plant leafy, productive and full of fresh citrus aroma.
Culinary Uses
Salads: Adds a bright lemony lift to fresh greens and herb salads.
Marinades & sauces: Excellent with garlic, chilli, lime, coconut and spices.
Seafood & chicken: Complements fish, prawns, grilled chicken and stir-fries.
Vegetable dishes: Adds fresh aroma to curries, noodle dishes and rice bowls.
Herbal teas & infusions: Can be steeped fresh for a refreshing lemon-basil drink.
Success Checklist
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Plant in a warm, sunny position | Supports strong growth, flavour and aromatic leaf production. |
| Use well-drained soil | Helps prevent root stress and supports healthy basil growth. |
| Keep moisture consistent | Prevents stress and keeps leaves tender for harvesting. |
| Pinch tips regularly | Encourages bushier growth and delays flowering. |
| Harvest before flowering | Leaves are best flavoured before flowering begins. |
| Grow in pots or beds | Lemon Basil performs well in both containers and garden beds. |
Harvesting
Leaves can be picked throughout the growing season. For best flavour, harvest before flowering and pinch from the tips to encourage fresh side growth.
Regular harvesting keeps Lemon Basil compact, productive and full of fragrant leaves.
Fresh Breath Herb
Chewing a few fresh leaves may help neutralise odours while leaving a pleasant citrus-herbal aroma.
Nutritional Benefits
It is a flavourful way to add fresh herbs and aromatic plant compounds to everyday meals.
Companion Planting
It may help repel certain garden pests while attracting beneficial insects and pollinators.
It is especially useful around tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and other warm-season crops.
Pinch Lemon Basil regularly to keep it bushy and delay flowering. Harvest often for the freshest lemon flavour and strongest aroma.
We are a proudly Australian-owned family business dedicated to providing high-quality seedlings, seeds, fruit trees, native plants, and indoor ornamentals. We offer express shipping to SA, VIC, QLD, and NSW, with local delivery and pickups available by arrangement. Unfortunately, due to restrictions, we are unable to send to TAS, WA, or NT. For OH&S and biosecurity reasons, farm tours and direct purchases are not available, and pickups can only be made at our farm gate entrance. We deeply value our loyal customers and thank you for your continued support.
Lemon Basil, also known as Hoary Basil, Thai Lemon Basil or Lao Basil, is a fragrant culinary herb loved for its vibrant green leaves, fresh lemon aroma and distinctive citrus flavour.
This versatile basil is commonly used in Arab, Indonesian, Filipino, Lao, Malay, Indian, Persian and Thai cuisine. It thrives in warm conditions and is suitable for both garden beds and container growing.
A healthy live Lemon Basil seedling, ready to transplant into garden beds, herb gardens or containers for fresh culinary harvesting.
Approx. 30–60 cm tall
Approx. 60–90 days after planting
Glossy green, slightly serrated leaves
Fresh lemon scent and citrus basil flavour
Warm position with well-drained soil
Salads, marinades, sauces, seafood, chicken and teas
Characteristics
The plant prefers warm growing conditions and well-drained soil, making it ideal for sunny herb gardens, vegetable beds and containers.
Regular harvesting helps keep the plant leafy, productive and full of fresh citrus aroma.
Culinary Uses
Salads: Adds a bright lemony lift to fresh greens and herb salads.
Marinades & sauces: Excellent with garlic, chilli, lime, coconut and spices.
Seafood & chicken: Complements fish, prawns, grilled chicken and stir-fries.
Vegetable dishes: Adds fresh aroma to curries, noodle dishes and rice bowls.
Herbal teas & infusions: Can be steeped fresh for a refreshing lemon-basil drink.
Success Checklist
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Plant in a warm, sunny position | Supports strong growth, flavour and aromatic leaf production. |
| Use well-drained soil | Helps prevent root stress and supports healthy basil growth. |
| Keep moisture consistent | Prevents stress and keeps leaves tender for harvesting. |
| Pinch tips regularly | Encourages bushier growth and delays flowering. |
| Harvest before flowering | Leaves are best flavoured before flowering begins. |
| Grow in pots or beds | Lemon Basil performs well in both containers and garden beds. |
Harvesting
Leaves can be picked throughout the growing season. For best flavour, harvest before flowering and pinch from the tips to encourage fresh side growth.
Regular harvesting keeps Lemon Basil compact, productive and full of fragrant leaves.
Fresh Breath Herb
Chewing a few fresh leaves may help neutralise odours while leaving a pleasant citrus-herbal aroma.
Nutritional Benefits
It is a flavourful way to add fresh herbs and aromatic plant compounds to everyday meals.
Companion Planting
It may help repel certain garden pests while attracting beneficial insects and pollinators.
It is especially useful around tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and other warm-season crops.
Pinch Lemon Basil regularly to keep it bushy and delay flowering. Harvest often for the freshest lemon flavour and strongest aroma.
We are a proudly Australian-owned family business dedicated to providing high-quality seedlings, seeds, fruit trees, native plants, and indoor ornamentals. We offer express shipping to SA, VIC, QLD, and NSW, with local delivery and pickups available by arrangement. Unfortunately, due to restrictions, we are unable to send to TAS, WA, or NT. For OH&S and biosecurity reasons, farm tours and direct purchases are not available, and pickups can only be made at our farm gate entrance. We deeply value our loyal customers and thank you for your continued support.
Testimonials
QPS offers a wide selection of high-quality seedlings, including herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants. They are known for their robust health and diverse variety, catering to all gardening preferences. With careful packaging and clear care instructions, Quality plants & seedlings ensures their plants arrive in good condition. They prioritise customer service and sustainability, making them a trusted choice for gardeners of all levels aiming to create thriving gardens.
Choosing QPS for my certified organic seeds was a game-changer for my garden. The variety of herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants available exceeded my expectations, all grown with meticulous organic practices. The seeds arrived promptly and were clearly labeled with planting instructions, making the process smooth and stress-free. I've been impressed with the high germination rates and the healthy growth of the plants, reflecting QPS's commitment to quality. For anyone looking to start or expand an organic garden, QPS is my go-to choice for reliable, sustainable seeds.
Sourcing wholesale indoor plants from QPS has been a fantastic experience for my projects as a landscape designer. Their extensive selection of indoor plants is of exceptional quality, perfect for creating vibrant interior spaces. Each plant arrives well-packaged and in excellent condition, reflecting QPS's attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their competitive wholesale pricing makes them a preferred supplier for large-scale projects. I highly recommend Quality Plants & Seedlings to fellow professionals and enthusiasts seeking reliable, top-notch indoor plants for their designs.
Choosing QPS for seedlings at our school has been a great decision. Their diverse range includes everything from vegetables to ornamental plants, all nurtured with care using organic practices. The seedlings arrived promptly and were well-packaged with clear instructions, making them easy for students to handle and plant. We've been pleased with the robust health and rapid growth of the plants, which has enhanced our educational gardening initiatives. QPS's commitment to quality and sustainability makes them an ideal choice for schools looking to cultivate a green thumb in students.
