Basil Lettuce Leaf HEIRLOOM Seeds

Ocimum basilicum

Item #5019

Basil lovers, this is for you-the most productive sweet basil boasting leaves nearly as big as your hand! The light green leaves are more sweet than spicy, and full of flavor and aroma; ideal for pesto, lettuce alternative in wraps, on burger or sandwiches, or in a beautiful caprese salad. Crinkled leaves hold dressings or marinades better than smooth types in your culinary creations. Very slow to bolt.

This packet sows up to 20 ft.

Seedling Image

Annual

Full sun to part shade

16"-18" tall

Days to Emerge:
5-10 days

Seed Depth:
1/4"

Seed Spacing:
A group of 2
seeds every
12"

Row Spacing:
12"

Thinning:
When 2" tall,
thin to 1
every 12"

When to sow outside: 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 65°-85°F. Basil is very sensitive to frost.

When to start inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. Transplant when nighttime temperatures are above 50°F.

Harvesting: Basil is typically harvested before the plant flowers. Flavor is best when harvested in the morning. The young, top leaves taste the best and should be used fresh; the older leaves may be used for vinegar and pesto. Cut a few stems at a time, but never harvest more than 1/3 of the plant if you want it to keep producing. If there is any chance of temperatures dropping to 32°F, harvest crop immediately; basil is very frost sensitive.