A new variety of basil called Everleaf Lemon is the winner of the National Garden Bureau’s (NGB) “Professional’s Choice” Green Thumb Award in the Edibles category. The Green Thumbs recognize new plant varieties and gardening products that, according the NGB, “meet rigorous criteria including uniqueness, innovation, problem-solving and overall appeal to gardeners. In Everleaf’s case, it met all those criteria from a “professional’s” standpoint. The professionals here are a panel of folks who are NGB members. As horticultural professionals, these people know what they are talking about!

The Everleaf Collection

If you are not familiar with the Everleaf collection, it’s a grouping of four different basil varieties. All four varieties feature basil plants that are tall and upright in habit. They also have short internodes and produce lots of branches, and with herb plants, that means they produce more tasty leaves and offer a greater yield for the gardener. The varieties within the Everleaf collection include Emerald Towers, Genovese, Thai Towers and this award-winning Lemon.

Late to Flower

The professional judges also appreciated the fact that Everleaf is very late to flower. In fact, they say it flowers 8-10 weeks later than other basil varieties. If you’ve grown basil before, you know that flowering is the death knell for basil plants. Once basil begins to flower, it’s an indication to the plant that its end is near. It shunts all of its resources into producing flowers and any subsequent leaves that emerge of tough, small, and not very flavorful. Basil-growing veterans know to pinch off any tiny flowers that emerge. This can be time consuming, and if you miss some emerging flowers, that can be a bummer. So, if a basil plant flowers later in its lifespan, that is a big bonus for the gardener who doesn’t have to keep a watchful eye on possible flower buds.

Hey, with up to 10 weeks longer to harvest, now we know why it is called “Everleaf!”

Flavorful Lemon

The judges also appreciated the lemony flavor of its leaves. This bright lemon flavor would pair really well in dressings, vinaigrettes, marinades and fresh salads. I’m not so sure I would cook with it, but using it in some fresh manner sounds like it would add some amazing flavor. I’m thinking with Greek foods, which are known to love lemon.

Where to Grow Everleaf Lemon

Everleaf Lemon does well in both in-ground garden beds and in containers. Basil loves sun, so find a sunny spot for it. In my experience, basil grows best in well-draining soil that is allowed to dry down a bit between waterings.