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Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds

Ocimum basilicum

5.00 (10 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Since basil thrives in warm weather, it grows best when the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost. Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them thinly in flats and providing heat to speed germination. Transplant 15-18" apart. To direct sow, plant Italian large leaf basil seeds 1/4" deep in rich soil and full sun, thinning to 15-18" apart when the seedlings develop. Italian large leaf basil seeds also grow well indoors or as a container plant.

Growing: Basil thrives in soil that drains well, yet needs water often. If the weather drops below 50 degrees, provide protection. As the plant grows, pruning it helps it to develop into a bushy, healthy plant; pruning is also important because once the plant flowers, it will begin to wilt and die. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part.

Harvesting: Basil leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a height of 6-8". The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning after the dew dries. After the plant is established, harvesting often actually improves production; once the flowers develop, however, the leaves grow bitter to the taste. Remove single leaves or parts of a stem as needed, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the length of the stem for healthy growth. When harvesting, pinch off the stem directly above the next set of leaves. Fresh basil will keep for several days at room temperature, with the stems in a glass of water; if refrigerated, it tends to wilt and turn brown. Basil also freezes and dries well. Since the water content of basil is very high and it can mold easily, the best method for drying is a dehydrator, an oven, or a similar dry, warm location.

Seed Saving: After the flowers have finished blooming, Italian large leaf basil seeds will begin to develop. Harvest the clusters of pods when they turn brown, and spread them out to dry in a protected location away from direct sunlight. Thresh the heads to remove the seed, and clean out as much of the chaff as possible. Store Italian large leaf basil seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 21,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Green

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Aromatic

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Basil

Perfect

Tons of seeds and already sprouting! I love the Mylar zip top packaging too!

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By G Gaither

Great seeds

Seeds were easily germinated. Will see how the survive

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Fabio Baglietto

Amazin!!

I didn't have much faith in basils, I don't know why hehe. I put up to 20 seeds freehand in the seedbeds, they are tiny. They have ALL germinated, I took the task of more than 2 hours to separate them and put them 2-3 per container, I was afraid of doing them a lot of damage and again I did not have faith that they would survive, but they are very resistant! Its roots are strong and even though they are 1 month old, they look very pretty.

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Straightup Nature

Best Value Around

Compared to other suppliers, this is the site I've seen with great pricing for the quantities offered. Will make this my go-to for what I need.

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Gloria Gomah

Growing well as seedlings

So far so good! Almost ready to move into a larger pot! Never grew from seeds before but can't wait to plant fresh basil next to my tomatoes

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Manseur Baranpourian

Good product, great price wonderful people

I have shopped here for a long time and I recommend them for their good products, great service and unbeatable price. Thank you

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By mary yetter

basil

always good starting to pop up after 4 days

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Curtis Gregory

Best germination

The germination rate is extremely high. The seeds are arrived very quickly. Each basil plant is a magnificent specimen.

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Kimberly D Holmes

basil

There will be lots of pesto this year!

Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Debra Barowsky

Seeds

Very pleased. Speedy delivery

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~2,000 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~21,000 Seeds) $7.09 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $12.12 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $30.00 -+
5 Lb Mylar (2.27kg) $135.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $240.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $570.00 -+
50 Lb Bulk Bag (22.7kg) $1,080.00 -+
100 Lb Bulk Bag (45.4kg) $2,100.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

This popular Basil variety has the largest leaves of any of the Basil varieties. Its sweet, spicy flavor has many kitchen uses such as: cooked, fresh, in sauces, in salads, and in cooked dishes. Plants grow large green leaves from 2 to 4" long. Compared to Genovese Basil, the scent and taste is more sweet and mild.
Chefs in the Neapolitan region of Italy regard this variety of sweet, Genovese-type basil as the essential type of basil for their traditional cuisine. Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Since basil thrives in warm weather, it grows best when the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost. Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them thinly in flats and providing heat to speed germination. Transplant 15-18" apart. To direct sow, plant Italian large leaf basil seeds 1/4" deep in rich soil and full sun, thinning to 15-18" apart when the seedlings develop. Italian large leaf basil seeds also grow well indoors or as a container plant.

Growing: Basil thrives in soil that drains well, yet needs water often. If the weather drops below 50 degrees, provide protection. As the plant grows, pruning it helps it to develop into a bushy, healthy plant; pruning is also important because once the plant flowers, it will begin to wilt and die. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part.

Harvesting: Basil leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a height of 6-8". The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning after the dew dries. After the plant is established, harvesting often actually improves production; once the flowers develop, however, the leaves grow bitter to the taste. Remove single leaves or parts of a stem as needed, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the length of the stem for healthy growth. When harvesting, pinch off the stem directly above the next set of leaves. Fresh basil will keep for several days at room temperature, with the stems in a glass of water; if refrigerated, it tends to wilt and turn brown. Basil also freezes and dries well. Since the water content of basil is very high and it can mold easily, the best method for drying is a dehydrator, an oven, or a similar dry, warm location.

Seed Saving: After the flowers have finished blooming, Italian large leaf basil seeds will begin to develop. Harvest the clusters of pods when they turn brown, and spread them out to dry in a protected location away from direct sunlight. Thresh the heads to remove the seed, and clean out as much of the chaff as possible. Store Italian large leaf basil seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 21,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Green

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Aromatic

Reviews

5.00
Global Rating: 5.00 from 10 reviews
5.0

Review By Basil

Perfect

Tons of seeds and already sprouting! I love the Mylar zip top packaging too!

5.0

Review By G Gaither

Great seeds

Seeds were easily germinated. Will see how the survive

5.0

Review By Fabio Baglietto

Amazin!!

I didn't have much faith in basils, I don't know why hehe. I put up to 20 seeds freehand in the seedbeds, they are tiny. They have ALL germinated, I took the task of more than 2 hours to separate them and put them 2-3 per container, I was afraid of doing them a lot of damage and again I did not have faith that they would survive, but they are very resistant! Its roots are strong and even though they are 1 month old, they look very pretty.

5.0

Review By Straightup Nature

Best Value Around

Compared to other suppliers, this is the site I've seen with great pricing for the quantities offered. Will make this my go-to for what I need.

5.0

Review By Gloria Gomah

Growing well as seedlings

So far so good! Almost ready to move into a larger pot! Never grew from seeds before but can't wait to plant fresh basil next to my tomatoes

5.0

Review By Manseur Baranpourian

Good product, great price wonderful people

I have shopped here for a long time and I recommend them for their good products, great service and unbeatable price. Thank you

5.0

Review By mary yetter

basil

always good starting to pop up after 4 days

5.0

Review By Curtis Gregory

Best germination

The germination rate is extremely high. The seeds are arrived very quickly. Each basil plant is a magnificent specimen.

5.0

Review By Kimberly D Holmes

basil

There will be lots of pesto this year!

5.0

Review By Debra Barowsky

Seeds

Very pleased. Speedy delivery