Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds

$3.29

Italian Large Leaf Basil produces large plants up to 30 inches tall with huge 4 inches leaves. The large, tasty leaves of this variety are very popular for flavouring Italian cuisine. Snip fresh leaves and use them to flavour tomato dishes, bread and pesto.

 

- Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 50-60
- Planting Depth: 1 cm
- Plant Spacing: 30-45 cm
- Growth Habit: 30-50 cm tall 

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Basil may be the most sought-after herb of the summer season. Its iconic, pungent aroma is the perfect companion to fresh tomatoes and the broad green leaves are the essential ingredient needed to whip up a delectable batch of pesto.

Seeds can be started indoors six weeks before the last frost. Pamper your seeds with moist conditions and a heat mat if possible. Basil will not thrive without consistent warmth. Plant seeds in a flat 1 cm deep. When true leaves appear, separate seedlings into individual pots.

Transplant after the danger of frost has passed and wait until the soil reaches around 20 degrees. Prepare a fertile bed under full or partial sun and mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture. Be sure to water abundantly during drought conditions.

When plants have 6 leaves, prune back to the second set of leaves. The plant will become bushier and produce more of its aromatic foliage. As flowers appear, cut them off in order to focus energy into more leaf production. Basil will grow and produce well with little to no fertilizer throughout the season.

Leaves will be most tender and flavourful when harvested in the morning. Pick often to encourage growth and maximize yield. Freezing the leaves is the best way to preserve the fresh basil flavour. Drying is also an effective way to store basil, though this method sacrifices some of the potent flavour. Another way to keep basil and enjoy its wonderful aroma is to cut the leaves or flowers at the stem and place them into water as you would with flowers. 

QUICK FACTS

- Basil is native to the tropical regions of central Africa and Southeast Asia and was brought to Europe by traders during the medieval ages, where it became especially popular in Mediterranean cuisine.

- Regularly pinching and pruning basil plants encourages healthier and bushier growth and prevents the plants from getting too tall or leggy.

- Basil seeds will remain viable for 5 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.

OUR SEED GUARANTEE

You know that a lush, fruitful garden needs good soil, frequent watering, and sunlight to grow, but it’s the seeds that really make the harvest.

Picked and bagged for 2024 the vast majority of our seeds have germination rates of over 85%. The seeds are all-natural, non-GMO, non-hybrid, untreated, and open-pollinated for seed saving.

We have put a lot of thoughts into the design and packaging of our seed packets. Our seeds are all carefully packed in food grade kraft paper/aluminium zipper lock bags, and then are shipped in eco-friendly padded mailers.

We heat-seal each of our seed packet for even more protection from moisture, odour and light, allowing you to store your seeds for up to 3x longer than paper or plastic. Plant them all, germinate some indoors, save some for next season - it’s up to you!

Customer Reviews
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Filter Reviews:
JB
01/11/2022
J B.
Canada

germinated quickly! Very happy with my pur...

germinated quickly! Very happy with my purchase

MP
20/10/2022
Minh P.
Canada

Arrived without issue and is growing like...

Arrived without issue and is growing like crazy!!

Ecoseedbank Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds Review
CR
19/10/2022
Clorinda R.
Canada

'5 stars review from Clorinda'

'5 stars review from Clorinda'

CB
05/09/2022
Christine B.
Canada

'5 stars review from Christine'

'5 stars review from Christine'

RM
11/08/2022
Rafael M.
Canada

'5 stars review from Rafael'

'5 stars review from Rafael'