Ocimum basilicum 'Lettuce Leaf Basil' seeds grow into the lettuce-leaf basil — a large-leaved basil variety producing exceptionally wide, crinkled, smooth, somewhat puckered leaves of impressive size (to 15 cm wide), resembling savoy cabbage or lettuce leaves, with the characteristic sweet basil fragrance in an unusually generous leaf size. Ocimum basilicum L. is sweet basil. 'Lettuce Leaf' (or 'Napoletano') designates the extra-large-leaved selections of sweet basil with characteristically crinkled, puckered surface texture; this type is traditional in southern Italy, particularly in the Campania and Basilicata regions, where the large leaves are used fresh in salads, layered in preserved vegetables and wrapped around mozzarella. The extra-large, pliable leaves make this basil ideal for wrapping, layering and salad uses where smaller leaves would be inadequate. Family Lamiaceae.Full sun; fertile, moist, well-drained soils; warm conditions (above 15°C). Pinch flowers to extend harvest. Large pliable leaves ideal for wrapping. Sow indoors early. Named cultivar may NOT breed true from seed. 'Lettuce Leaf' = Napoletano type; leaves to 15 cm wide; crinkled puckered surface; southern Italian tradition Basilicum = royal; L. (Linnaeus); extra-large-leaved selection; Campania and Basilicata regional tradition Large pliable leaves ideal for wrapping mozzarella, layering in preserved vegetables and fresh salads Genus Ocimum: ~65 species; Tropics; Family Lamiaceae; Order Lamiales Full sun; fertile moist soils; warm; pinch flowers; large leaves for wrapping; named cultivar may not breed true Ocimum basilicum 'Lettuce Leaf Basil' pushes the boundaries of what a basil leaf can be — the extra-large Napoletano type of southern Italy whose puckered, generous leaves serve as both condiment and vessel, wrapping fresh mozzarella or layering through the preserved vegetables of the Campanian summer kitchen with a sweet basil fragrance scaled to match their impressive size.IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.
