Italian Large Leaf Basil | 500 Seeds/Pk

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds (Ocimum basilicum) – 500+ Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds for Planting, Classic Sweet Basil with Big Aromatic Leaves, by Isla’s Garden Seeds, Gift Idea for Gardeners

Italian Large Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the quintessential sweet basil—lush, fragrant, and richly flavored. Broad, glossy leaves deliver classic, savory-sweet notes perfect for pesto, caprese, sauces, and fresh garnishes straight from the garden.

A warm-season favorite, plants grow vigorously to 18–24 inches with dense branching and generous foliage. Regular harvesting encourages new growth for a steady supply of tender leaves from early summer to frost in beds, raised planters, or containers.

Pinch flower buds to keep plants leafy and flavorful. Harvest in the morning for peak aroma, and use fresh or dry gently for pantry-ready herbs. Leaves pair beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and citrus.

Reliable, productive, and intensely aromatic, Italian Large Leaf Basil is a kitchen essential and a must-grow for vibrant, fresh cuisine all season long.

Type: Annual (warm-season)
Sun: Full
Planting Depth: 1/4”
Spacing: 10–12”
Water: Consistent, moderate
Days to Maturity/Bloom: 60–75 days
Height: 18–24”
Zones: 3–10

Approx seeds per order 500

Sow indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost or direct sow after nights stay reliably above 50°F and soil is warm. Choose a sunny, well-draining site enriched with compost. Basil thrives with heat, light, and even moisture.

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and space 10–12 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then water regularly at the base. Mulch to hold moisture and reduce surface drying.

Begin harvesting when plants are 6–8 inches tall by pinching stems above a leaf pair to encourage branching. Remove flower spikes promptly to prolong leafy growth and maximize flavor throughout the season.

Type: Annual (warm-season)
Sun: Full
Planting Depth: 1/4”
Spacing: 10–12”
Water: Consistent, moderate
Days to Maturity/Bloom: 60–75 days
Height: 18–24”
Zones: 3–10

Italian Large Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum) grows best in USDA Zones 3–10, thriving in full sun with warm temperatures and fertile, well-draining soil.

Type: Annual (warm-season)
Sun: Full
Planting Depth: 1/4”
Spacing: 10–12”
Water: Consistent, moderate
Days to Maturity/Bloom: 60–75 days
Height: 18–24”
Zones: 3–10