PlantFiles: Basil
Ocimum americanum 'Lime'

I grew my basil from seed sown in a container partially sunk in the ground for moisture retention. There were probably 10-12 plants in the pot and they grew into the amazing mound shape that you see in my photo. I recently moved to a new construction house sadly lacking in landscaping appeal so this was quite welcome. From a distance the basil looked like an ornamental shrub planted next to my patio! The butterflies and bees loved the flowers and I loved using the fresh leaves for cooking. I left the plants over winter and they were visited by numbers of juncos who feasted on the seeds. I hope I'm able to duplicate the results this year.

For basil, this one smells really nice and strong (scent holds up well in the heat also)...it is a small-leaved variety and I found it to grow just fine in a pot. The smaller leaf varieties tend to do better for me in pots than the large leaf types. Probably because they require less water in Houston summers. I'll give it a positive rating, but then there are few basils I dislike!

I grew this from seed this year for the first time, & from what I'd heard from other gardeners & cooks, expected to be "wowed", but instead ended up rather disappointed.

Sowed seed indoors in late March & had 100% germination within 4 days. Planted out in large deck containers in late spring.

While my regular "Sweet Italian" Basil & "Sweet Dani" Lemon Basil took off & produced a bounty of leaves, the Lime remained rather small & stalky with tiny leaves by comparison. In addition, keeping it deadheaded is a full-time job - it runs to seed at supersonic speed.

I was also somewhat disappointed in its flavor, finding it nearly indistinguishable from lemon varieties. Since I do have seed left, will probably give it another chance to "wow" me next season out in the garden, but won't hold my breath.

I'm giving it a neutral rather than negative rating in deference to the possibility that it might not be a good container basil. Will re-review next time after trying it out in the garden.

This is my new favorite herb. I love it! Planted it back in the Spring and it took off very quickly. It has grown very fast and flowered several times. Think key lime pie because that is exactly what it smells like. The bees and butterflies flock to this herb!