Sweet Basil 'Mrs Burns Lemon'

'Mrs Burns' Lemon' is a famous heirloom cultivar of Sweet Basil, revered by many gardeners as the finest lemon-scented basil available. It is a large, vigorous plant for a basil, reaching up to 60cm, with slightly larger, lighter green leaves than standard Genovese types. The aroma is powerfully citrusy, reminiscent of lemon sherbet, which translates beautifully into teas, vinegars, and Southeast Asian cuisine. In the UK, it is best grown as a tender annual (H2), either on a sunny windowsill, in a greenhouse, or outdoors in a very warm, sheltered spot only during the height of summer. It is very sensitive to frost and even cold night temperatures. To get the best harvest, the growing tips should be pinched out regularly to prevent flowering and encourage a bushy habit. It requires consistent moisture but must never sit in water. The pale lilac flowers that eventually appear are also edible and have a mild lemon flavor.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.