Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds Grow a classic kitchen herb with Italian Large Leaf Basil, Ocimum basilicum. This heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated Genovese-type variety produces large, glossy green leaves with the familiar aromatic flavor that makes Italian basil so useful for pesto, sauces, pasta, salads, and fresh cooking. Italian Large Leaf is a warm-season annual that works equally well in a traditional herb garden, raised bed, patio container, or a bright indoor growing space. Its naturally bushy growth responds especially well to regular pinching, allowing gardeners to harvest fresh leaves repeatedly throughout the warm season. Product Highlights Large, glossy green leaves with classic Genovese-style basil flavor. Heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated variety. Approximately 60 days to leaf maturity under suitable conditions. Warm-season annual with upright, bushy growth. Well suited to garden beds, raised beds, containers, and bright indoor growing. A versatile culinary basil for pesto, sauces, pasta, salads, vegetables, and more. Plant Profile Common Name: Italian Large Leaf Basil Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum Variety: Italian Large Leaf Type: Genovese-type culinary basil Cultivar Traits: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated Life Cycle: Annual Growth Habit: Upright and bushy Mature Height: About 18–24 inches Leaf Color: Rich green Light: Full sun Soil: Fertile, consistently moist but well-drained soil Leaf Maturity: About 60 days under suitable conditions Seed Maturity: Approximately 90 days when plants are allowed to flower and set seed Growing Overview Basil needs warmth. Start seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before the final spring frost or direct sow outdoors after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Sow approximately 1/4 inch deep and keep the seedbed consistently moist without saturating it. Under favorable warm conditions, Italian Large Leaf basil commonly germinates in about 5–10 days. Thin or transplant plants to approximately 9–12 inches apart and provide full sun for strong, compact growth. Container growing works very well for this variety. Choose a container with drainage holes, use a fertile potting mix, and do not allow the root zone to remain waterlogged. Basil can also be grown indoors when it receives strong, adequate light. Harvest & Enjoy Once plants are established, harvest by cutting or pinching stems just above a pair of leaves. New shoots develop below the cut, encouraging a fuller plant and providing additional harvests. Italian Large Leaf basil is particularly useful when a recipe calls for plenty of fresh basil. The broad aromatic leaves work beautifully in pesto, tomato sauces, pasta, salads, soups, vegetables, sandwiches, and Mediterranean-style dishes. If the goal is leaf production, remove flower buds as they appear. Allowing basil to flower naturally shifts more of the plant's energy toward flowering and seed production. What to Expect Italian Large Leaf is a tender warm-season basil and does not tolerate frost. Outdoor growth slows as temperatures cool, so plan to make a final harvest before freezing weather arrives. Consistent moisture supports tender leaf growth, but constantly wet, poorly drained soil increases the risk of root and foliar disease. Good airflow, full sun, and avoiding prolonged leaf wetness can help reduce disease pressure. Frequently Asked Questions Is Italian Large Leaf the same as Genovese basil? Italian Large Leaf is commonly described as a Genovese-type basil because it provides the familiar culinary profile associated with traditional Italian basil. It is sold as its own named variety, Italian Large Leaf. Can Italian Large Leaf basil grow in a container? Yes. This variety is well suited to containers. Use a fertile, well-drained potting mix, provide strong light, and water often enough that the mix does not completely dry out. Can I grow this basil indoors? Yes. Basil can be grown indoors when it receives sufficient light and warm conditions. A bright sunny location or appropriate grow lighting is important for compact, productive growth. How often should I harvest basil? Harvest regularly once plants are established. Pinching stems just above a pair of leaves encourages new branches and helps maintain a bushier plant. Should I let Italian Large Leaf basil flower? If your goal is a continued leaf harvest, pinch off flower buds as they appear. If you want flowers or seed, allow selected plants to bloom and mature naturally.
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