Lemon Basil Seeds Vilmorin - Aromatic Herb, Easy to Grow in Pots

Lemon Basil Vilmorin (Reference: 5873342) - Step into a world of authentic flavours with this exceptional basil variety, the legacy of a thousand-year-old tradition. Native to India, where the plant was revered for its divine nature, Vilmorin lemon basil brings a unique taste dimension to your vegetable garden. This professional-quality aromatic seed will transform your cooking with its fresh lemon-tarragon flavour, a quality sought after by chefs and food lovers alike.

Culinary uses and benefits

Lemon basil has established itself as an essential ally of southern and contemporary cooking. Its leaves give off a subtle aroma blending the freshness of ordinary basil with the lemony notes of tarragon. This unique combination naturally elevates your summer salads, lends a refreshing touch to raw vegetables and lifts the flavour of grilled meats.

In professional and home kitchens alike, a few freshly shredded leaves are enough to turn a simple tomato sauce into something gastronomic. Infusing them in olive oil creates outstanding flavoured dressings, perfect for marinades and vinaigrettes. Catering professionals particularly value its ability to balance rich, fatty dishes.

Botanical features and characteristics

This variety selected by Vilmorin adapts remarkably well to temperate French climates. The plants develop soft green leaves, slightly longer than those of common basil, with a delicate texture and an optimised concentration of aroma. Germination is quick in favourable conditions, with a high emergence rate that makes your sowing a success.

Lemon basil belongs to the Lamiaceae family and retains the heat-loving nature of its Indian ancestors. Its vigorous growth allows several successive harvests over the season, provided you regularly pinch out the flower buds to keep the leaves coming. The plant reaches a height of 40 to 60 cm and spreads evenly, forming dense clumps ideal for picking a little at a time.

Sowing, growing and care

Sowing lemon basil is best done from March to June, in pots under cover or directly outdoors once the last frosts have passed. The optimal germination temperature is between 18 and 22°C. Sow the seeds shallowly (2-3 mm) in a fine compost and keep the moisture steady without overdoing it. Emergence usually takes 8 to 12 days.

For growing in pots, choose containers at least 20 cm across with effective drainage. Lemon basil likes a rich, well-drained soil, slightly alkaline (pH 6.5 to 7.5). A sunny spot is essential, with at least 6 hours of direct sun a day. Watering regularly at the base keeps the foliage dry and so prevents fungal disease.

Harvesting starts 6 to 8 weeks after sowing. Pick the leaves in the morning once the dew has gone, for maximum aromatic concentration. Pinch out the flowering tips regularly to encourage leaf growth and extend the picking season until the first frosts.

Expert advice and beneficial pairings

Experienced gardeners recommend pairing lemon basil with tomatoes, peppers and aubergines for mutual benefit. This natural combination improves resistance to pests and makes the best use of space in the vegetable garden. Avoid planting it near brassicas, which can hold back its growth.

To get the best flavour retention, harvest preferably early in the morning and use the fresh leaves straight away. Freezing them in ice-cube trays with olive oil preserves their taste remarkably well. This technique gives you good-quality herbs right through the winter.

Horticultural professionals advise moderate fertilising with a nitrogen-rich feed at the start of growth, then a potassium feed to intensify the aroma. Too much nitrogen produces large leaves with less scent. Round out your choice with our range of organic fertilisers and our specialist gardening tools to get the best results.

Technical specifications