What is Mrs. Burns Basil?
You may ask, “what is Mrs. Burns basil?” It’s a sweet basil cultivar with more intense flavor, larger leaves, and a prolific growth habit. Mrs. Burns lemon basil info says the plant does well in dry soil and may self-seed to produce more plants during the season. It was found growing in Carlsbad, New Mexico in Mrs. Clifton’s garden since the 1920’s. Janet Burns received seeds of this plant from her in the 1950’s and eventually passed them along to her son. Barney Burns was a Native Seeds/SEARCH founder and incorporated Mrs. Burns basil plants into the registry. Since that time, this prolific herb has grown in popularity, and for good reason.
Growing Mrs. Burns Basil Plants
Seeds are readily available on the internet if you wish to try growing this delightful and flavorful lemon basil. Sixty days to maturity, you can get it started from seed indoors and have plants outside earlier in the growing season. Acclimate to full sun and harvest from the top at first to make your plant stockier and fuller. These plants are said to have a compact habit. Harvest often, drying the leaves if necessary. The more you harvest, the more Mrs. Burns basil plants produce. While the plant can exist in dry soil and do well, as with most basil, it flourishes with reasonable watering. If you grow it outside, don’t fear letting it get wet from rains. Continue harvesting. This herb also remains flavorful when dried. To collect seeds for next year, let a plant or two flower and harvest seeds from them. Herbs often become bitter after flowering, so only allow a few to set seed until the end of the growing season. If you wish to grow Mrs. Burns basil indoors during winter, start a couple new plants near the end of the outdoor season. With the right light and water, they will grow and develop inside. A feeding at this time is appropriate. Use Mrs. Burns lemon basil in teas, smoothies, and a range of edibles. A favorite of international chefs, some dishes only need the leaves brushed across the top of the dish. For more of the lemon flavor, incorporate it into the item.
