How to Grow Citrus Basil Plants and Enjoy Their Benefits

Have you ever tried growing citrus basil plants? This unique variety of basil offers a refreshing lemony twist on the classic herb, making it a great addition to any garden or kitchen. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about growing citrus basil plants and how to make the most out of their benefits.

What Are Citrus Basil Plants?

Citrus basil plants are a unique variety of basil that offer a refreshing lemony aroma and taste. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

These plants are typically small in size, reaching heights of up to 18 inches at maturity. They produce green leaves that have a slightly pointed shape and a glossy texture.

Why Grow Citrus Basil Plants?

Growing citrus basil plants has several benefits. Firstly, they add a refreshing twist to your dishes that regular basil cannot provide. The lemony aroma and taste of citrus basil make it an ideal ingredient for salads, marinades, and sauces.

Secondly, citrus basil plants are easy to care for and do not require any special attention. They thrive in warm temperatures and sunlight, making them an ideal plant to grow indoors or outdoors in the summertime.

Finally, citrus basil plants are known for their health benefits. They contain high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost your immune system and protect your body against free radicals.

How to Grow Citrus Basil Plants

Now that you know why citrus basil plants are worth growing, let's take a look at how to grow them successfully.

Planting Citrus Basil Seeds

The first step to growing citrus basil plants is to plant the seeds. You can either buy seedlings from a garden center or start the seeds yourself at home.

If you decide to start the seeds yourself, here's what you need to do:

1. Fill a small pot with soil and moisten it.
2. Place two to three basil seeds on top of the soil.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the soil and place the pot in a sunny spot.
5. Keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to sprout.

Caring for Citrus Basil Plants

Once the seeds have sprouted, caring for citrus basil plants is simple. Here are some tips to ensure your basil plants thrive:

• Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering.
• Ensure the plants get enough sunlight, at least six hours per day.
• Fertilize the plants every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune the plants regularly to encourage bushier growth.

Harvesting Citrus Basil Plants

You can harvest the leaves of citrus basil plants once they reach maturity, usually after 60 days of planting. Use scissors to cut the leaves from the stem, or pick individual leaves by hand.

It's best to harvest the leaves in the morning, before the sun gets too hot. This will ensure the leaves retain their flavor and aroma.

How to Use Citrus Basil Plants

Citrus basil plants are incredibly versatile and can be used in many different ways in the kitchen. Here are some ideas:

• Add citrus basil leaves to salads for a refreshing twist.
• Mix chopped citrus basil leaves into marinades for meat and fish.
• Muddle citrus basil leaves in cocktails for a zesty kick.
• Make a citrus basil pesto by blending leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil.

Citrus basil plants are a unique variety of basil that offer a refreshing lemony twist on the classic herb. They are easy to grow and care for and offer a range of health benefits. So why not try growing citrus basil plants in your garden or kitchen today?

Lemon basil, Linalool basil, Genovese basil, Sweet basil, Holy basil