Basil 'Key Lime'

Pinch terminal shoots to encourage branching.
Harvest leaves before flowering occurs, or they will be bitter.

Key Lime likes a position of full sun and remember to water moderately. Key Lime is generally regarded as a half hardy plant, so remember to protect this plant from frosts and low temperatures. Key Lime needs a loamy, sandy and silty soil with a ph of 6.0 to 7.5 (weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil).

Cover with finely sieved compost.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.12 inches (0.3 cm). For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 10°C / 50°F.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Key Lime about 20 days before your last frost date.

Plant out when frost risk has passed.

Key Lime is half hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

By our calculations, you should look at planting out Key Lime about 21 days after your last frost date.

This variety tends to mature and be ready for harvest in mid summer.

The word basil means “king” in Greek – it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constantine and Helen discovered the Holy Cross.

Jewish folklore says that basil adds strength while fasting.