Ocimum americanum √ó ocimum basilicum

Sowing and care guidance

Ocimum americanum × Ocimum basilicum seeds thrive in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Start indoors in warmth and transplant after last frost, or direct sow once soil is warm and nights are mild. Keep evenly moist but not waterlogged; water at the base to keep foliage dry. Space plants to allow good air flow (follow packet guidance) and pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness. Light, occasional feeding supports steady growth and a compact to medium habit; avoid rich fertiliser that causes soft growth. Protect from chills, and harvest regularly to maintain tidy plants. Flowering can be allowed for pollinators or nipped to focus leaf production.

• Sow in warmth indoors; transplant after last frost. Direct sow when soil is warm and nights are mild.
• Full sun; well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
• Container-suitable: grows well in pots with free-draining mix and consistent moisture.
• Edible: leaves suited to culinary use; harvest lightly and often.
• Ornamental: aromatic foliage and delicate blooms provide seasonal interest.
• Pollinator friendly: small flowers may attract bees and other beneficial insects.

How do you grow Ocimum americanum × Ocimum basilicum from seed?

Sow basil seeds indoors in warmth for best results. Use a fine, free-draining seed mix, sow on the surface or cover very lightly (about 3–5 mm), and keep at 20–25°C until germination in 5–14 days. Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Keep the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged. Prick out or thin to individual cells once the first true leaves appear. Harden off before transplanting to full sun after the last frost, into well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Direct sow only once soil is warm and nights are mild.

When should I sow basil after the last frost?

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your expected last frost, then transplant after the last frost when nights are consistently mild (ideally above 10–12°C) and soil is warm. If direct sowing, wait until the soil has warmed reliably and cold snaps are unlikely. Harden off seedlings over 7–10 days, increasing outdoor exposure gradually. Transplant at the same depth, water in gently, and provide temporary shelter from wind and cool nights. In very mild climates, late-summer or autumn sowings may give a short harvest if protected from chill.

What is the best soil for basil in pots, and how should I water to prevent root issues?

Use a high-quality, peat-free potting mix that drains well; blending in 20–30% perlite or grit helps keep roots aerated. Aim for moderate fertility and a pH around 6–7. Choose containers with generous drainage holes; a 15–20 cm pot suits one plant, or a larger box for several with spacing. Water deeply, then let the top 2–3 cm of mix dry before watering again, and avoid leaving pots sitting in saucers of water. On sunny balconies, shelter from strong winds and reflective heat. Feed lightly to sustain growth without causing lush, weak stems.

What sunlight and spacing does basil need?

Basil thrives in full sun, typically 6–8+ hours daily. For compact-to-medium plants like many Ocimum americanum × Ocimum basilicum types, space 25–30 cm apart in beds to promote airflow and reduce disease. In containers, allow roughly one plant per 15–20 cm pot, or 2–3 plants in a 30 cm planter. Expect a compact to medium height, often around 25–50 cm depending on conditions. Maintain good air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and remove weeds so plants dry quickly after rain or overhead watering.

What is the difference between lemon basil and sweet basil, and what to expect from this hybrid?

Lemon basil (Ocimum americanum) typically has smaller, delicate leaves and a bright citrus aroma, while sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) bears larger leaves with classic sweet, clove-anise notes. The hybrid Ocimum americanum × Ocimum basilicum often combines a citrusy lift with the fuller basil character and a compact-to-medium habit. Care is the same: full sun, warmth, and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Expect vigorous growth in warm conditions; regular pinching helps maintain a tidy form and steady leaf production.

How do I pinch basil for bushier plants, and what about flowering, pollinators, and harvesting?

Once plants have 4–6 true leaves, pinch out the tip just above a leaf pair to encourage branching; repeat every week or two. Harvest by cutting stems above a node, leaving at least two sets of leaves so plants rebound quickly. Removing flower buds prolongs leafy growth, but allowing some blooms can support pollinators; be aware that heavy flowering usually slows new leaf production. Keep tools clean, harvest in the cooler part of the day, and avoid stripping plants bare to maintain vigor throughout the season.

Growing guidance here is general. Results vary with microclimate, soil structure, drainage, and local weather patterns. Watering, fertility, and timing may need adjustment to local conditions (for instance, sow after last frost or when soil is workable). Product pages include variety-specific instructions covering sowing depth, spacing, and timing, along with any updates from recent quality checks.

Hybrid Basil Seed Growing Overview

Ocimum americanum × Ocimum basilicum seeds offer a vigorous hybrid with bright, aromatic foliage that blends citrusy freshness with classic basil character. For best results, sow in warm, well-drained soil and provide plenty of sunlight. Seeds can be started under cover when days lengthen and temperatures are steady, or sown outdoors after last frost when the soil is workable. Gentle bottom warmth and consistent moisture help uniform germination; avoid waterlogging. Transplant when seedlings have several true leaves, spacing to allow airflow and a compact, branching habit. Pinching early growth encourages bushier plants and a longer leafy phase before flowering. In mild climates, later sowings in autumn may be possible if cold snaps are unlikely. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots evenly warm, and feed lightly to maintain steady growth without excessive softness. Harvesting little and often supports continued leaf production. For full context on this hybrid and related varieties, see the parent resource below.