Basil 'Italian Large Leaf'

    Zones: Annual
    Exposure: Full Sun
    Mature Size: 30"H x 12"S
    Bloom: White, Summer
    Pot Size: 3.25”
    Availability: IN STOCK
    • NON-GMO
    • Chimical free
    • 100% Guarantee
    • Culinary
    • Aroma
    • Container
    • Pollinator
    • Indoor
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    • Italian Basil Large Leaf Plants For Sale

      Ocimum basilicum

      Herb Growing Tips

      Light:  Full sun

      Temperature:  Annual

      Watering:  Keep soil moist, do not let soil get too dry.

      Soil: Lightwell drained soil. If need you can use Plant Feed once a month. 

      Comments: never prune more than 50% of your plant's leaves, this could cause too much stress on your basil plant. Continuous trimming avoids these annuals going to seed; allowing your plant to focus more on producing foliage than blooms! 

      Herb Description

      If you are into herb gardening for culinary herbs, Italian Large Leaf Basil is a must have basil plant. This culinary herb is a sweeter pesto type basil with high yields in the garden. A large variety with medium-dark green leaves, this basil is bigger than most others found in the basil family. Fairly resistant to damage from pests and disease, Italian Large Leaf self-seeds easily and grows well in a container. Very aromatic and as popular with bees and butterflies as it is with chefs, this is one of our most favorite basil plants. When compared to Genovese the flavor and scent are sweeter and less clove like. Plant in full sun and harvest frequently to keep from going to flower.

      Basil is also a fantastic natural mosquito and pest repellent and its blooms are great for attracting helpful pollinators to your garden. Planting Basil near beets, asparagus and tomatoes will also improve your crops. 

    • Ocimum basilicum

      Characteristics: Basil is one the easiest and most popular traditional culinary herbs! This tasty favorite is an annual, and will grow well in just about every zone. Be sure to plant outside only when night temperatures reach 50 to 55 degrees or above.
       
      Light: Basil needs a lot of light, but will benefit from a little shade during the hottest part of the day.
       
      Water: Water basil when it is dry to the touch, without over-watering.
       
      Soil: Basil likes rich, well-drained soil and will grow best in soil enhanced with well-composted manure.
       
      Use: Italian Large Leaf Basil has very sweet leaves; this is your go-to variety for your favorite pesto recipe.
       
      Extras: A great way to make sure you have plenty of basil all season long is to use 'succession planting'. Succession crops of Basil will ensure a fresh supply throughout the summer. The first harvest can usually be taken when the plants are about 12 inches tall and have branched out. Cut 1 or 2 sets of leaves from the top while leaving small new leaves below ready to grow. After two cuttings, usually two or three weeks apart, plants start to wane and become woody.

      In our zone, 7, I plant Basil as soon as the ground is warm enough, (consistently above 50 degrees at night) usually early-mid May. I harvest basil right through the fall, into mid-November some years. That is 6 months of fresh basil, folks!

      Basil is also a terrific companion plant and natural pest repellent!

      Basil is a wonderful plant to plant near your kitchen windows or doorways, not just for its use in your favorite dishes, but because this culinary herb has terrific natural pest repellent properties! Said to effectively keep house flies and mosquitoes away, planting Basil near entryways to your home, rubbing it on your skin and clothing, and planting it around your yard and patio will help reduce the amount of unwanted summer pests. Planting it in your garden will also keep destructive pests like Thrips, white flies, and aphids away from neighboring plants. Basil blooms are also very attractive to butterflies and other useful pollinators.

      Basil is said to increase the health and flavor of many vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, cabbage and especially tomato plants when companion planted together. For best results, do not plant Sage or Rue near your Basil, as this is said to inhibit the plant's growth and flavor. Instead, grow Chamomile near your Basil plants to encourage its success.

       

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