Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds

Start Italian Large Leaf Basil from seed indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Or wait until nights consistently stay above 65 degrees and sow the Italian Large Leaf Basil seeds directly into the ground. The most common reason for poor germination is cold soil. Plant the Ocimum Basilicum seeds about a quarter of an inch into the ground, but not deeper than that. They need light to germinate, so a light covering is all they need. Sprouts usually appear within 5-10 days of planting at a temperature of 65–80°F. If planting the Basil in a tray, we recommend using a heat mat to speed up germination.

Italian Large Leaf Basil requires at least 6 hours of full sun without exceptions. Seven or eight hours are even better. If less, the plants become leggy, the leaves reduce in number and quality, and the taste changes. Good drainage is important, as roots of Basil don't tolerate standing water and may rot. A basic potting mix with perlite is okay for container gardens. Don't forget to water consistently. Let the surface dry out slightly between waterings, but not completely. Drought stress causes bitterness in the leaves and causes the plant to go to seed.

Pinch the growing tip when the plant has 3-4 sets of leaves to double your harvest. When buds appear, pinch those off too; the moment Basil produces seed, it stops producing leaves. Fertilize lightly every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer if your soil is poor; too much food will weaken the leaves and the taste. Pick your Basil in the morning for the greatest oil content and always pick it just above a leaf node so it will continue to grow rather than die back.