Mrs. Burns' Lemon is the standout lemon basil heirloom, prized for a stronger citrus perfume than standard lemon basil and for uses in tea, cocktails, desserts, and bright summer cooking. It grows much like sweet basil, but the flavor profile is distinctly more lemony and the plant tends to flower readily if not pinched.
At a Glance
Days to Maturity
60–70 days
Sun
6+ hours
full sun 6-8+ hours; light afternoon shade is acceptable in very hot climates
Spacing
8–12 "
Seed Start
6–8 weeks
before transplant
Container
Yes
2+ gallon pot
Height
1.5–2 ft
Zone Planting Guide
Growing Guide
Germination
Germination Time5–10 days
Optimal Temp70°F
Seed Depth0.25"
Transplanting
Min Soil Temp60°F
Harden Off5 days
Watering
Weekly Water0.75–1 "
NeedsModerate
MethodBase watering
Soil
pH Range6–7
Soil TypeWarm fertile well-drained soil or potting mix.
Resilience
Heat: ModerateCold: LowDrought: Low
Common Problems
early-flowering
Cause: Heat, stress, and delayed pinching push basil into bloom.
Prevention: Pinch tips often and water consistently.
downy-mildew
Cause: Humid still conditions can devastate basil foliage.
Prevention: Give plants airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove diseased leaves promptly.
Nutrition
Feeding IntensityModerate feeder
Recommended RecipesRoot drench
Harvest
Harvest leafy stems before flowering gets heavy.
Expected Yield0.5–1.5 lbs/plant
Storage
4 days — Use fresh quickly, refrigerate very briefly if needed, or dry lightly for tea.
Sources
seed_catalog
Johnny's Selected Seeds
university
University of Maryland Extension
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil Planting Dates by Zone
Planting dates for Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.
