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Herbs · Ocimum basilicum

Italian Large Leaf Basil

Italian Large Leaf Basil is a large, oval leaves with smooth edges and glossy surface herb with fruit around 2-3". Ready from roughly day 74. Germination takes 5-10 days. Space 12-18 inches apart at pH 6.0-7.0. Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours). It will crop in a container.

74days to harvest
5-10days to germinate
Z10–10USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil reaches 65°F. Keep seeds moist and warm for best germination.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture but not waterlogged
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep emerald green
Size
2-3"
Shape
Large, oval leaves with smooth edges and glossy surface
Flavour
Intensely aromatic, sweet basil flavor with hints of anise and pepper

In the kitchen

Pesto, pizza, pasta sauces, caprese salad, tomato dishes, fresh garnish, infused oils

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, slugs
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew
Resistance
Susceptible to fusarium wilt and bacterial leaf spot in humid conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesBasil repels hornworms and aphids while potentially improving tomato flavor
PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
OreganoBoth herbs have similar growing requirements and can repel common garden pests together
MarigoldsAttract beneficial insects and repel nematodes and aphids that may harm basil
LettuceBasil provides light shade for lettuce and may improve its growth and flavor
AsparagusBasil repels asparagus beetles while asparagus doesn't compete for nutrients
ParsleyCompatible growing conditions and basil may help deter pests from parsley
CarrotsBasil helps repel carrot flies and other root pests without competing for space

Avoid

RueStrongly allelopathic herb that can stunt basil growth and reduce essential oil production
SageCan inhibit basil growth due to different water needs and potential allelopathic effects
ThymeMay compete aggressively for nutrients and can inhibit basil's vigorous growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
23
Protein (g)
3.15
Fat (g)
0.64
Carbohydrate (g)
2.65
Fibre (g)
1.6
Sugars (g)
0.3
Vitamin A (µg)
264
Vitamin C (mg)
18
Vitamin E (mg)
0.8
Vitamin K (µg)
415
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.155
Folate (µg)
68
Calcium (mg)
177
Iron (mg)
3.17
Magnesium (mg)
64
Phosphorus (mg)
56
Potassium (mg)
295
Zinc (mg)
0.81
Selenium (µg)
0.3
← PreviousPurple Ruffles Basil Next →French Tarragon

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Grown Italian Large Leaf Basil?

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Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Italian Large Leaf Basil suits these too.

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