A culinary essential, Italian Large Leaf Basil is the "sweet heart" of pesto-style basils. Compared to Genovese, this variety offers a sweeter, more delicate aroma with less of a clove-like bite. Featuring medium-dark green leaves that can reach up to 4" long, these vigorous 24–30" plants are as popular with bees and butterflies as they are with chefs.
Seed & Planting Care
Basil is a true heat-lover. Success depends on warm soil and protection from the cold.
Temperature is Key: Do not plant outdoors until the soil is 65–70°F and the weather has settled. Warning: Even a cool night of 50°F can stunt the plant's growth for several weeks.
Indoor Start: To get a jump on the season, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost. Sow 4–6 seeds per pot to account for basil's natural 60% germination rate (we include extra seeds in every packet to ensure success!).
Feeding: Basil is not a heavy feeder; usually, no additional fertilizer is required if your soil is healthy.
Companion Planting: An excellent companion for tomatoes, as it tolerates the shifting shade created by maturing tomato vines.
Harvesting for High Yields
To keep your basil productive and sweet until the first frost, follow these tips:
The "Pinch" Method: When the plant reaches 6" tall, pinch back the tip of each branch. Continue pinching back branches as you harvest.
Prevent Flowering: Immediately pinch off any flower buds that form. Once the plant flowers, the leaves can become bitter.
Continuous Growth: By preventing seeds from setting, the plant will focus all its energy on producing tender, high-quality leaves.
Uses & Quality
This is a high-yielding, sweeter variety perfect for authentic Italian pesto, fresh caprese salads, and drying. It is fairly resistant to pests and diseases and performs exceptionally well in garden beds or large containers.
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