{"product_id":"italian-large-leaf-basil-seeds","title":"Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds – Heirloom Non-GMO","description":"\u003ch2\u003eItalian Large Leaf Basil Seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrow a classic kitchen herb with Italian Large Leaf Basil, \u003cstrong\u003eOcimum basilicum\u003c\/strong\u003e. This heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated Genovese-type variety produces large, glossy green leaves with the familiar aromatic flavor that makes Italian basil so useful for pesto, sauces, pasta, salads, and fresh cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eItalian Large Leaf is a warm-season annual that works equally well in a traditional herb garden, raised bed, patio container, or a bright indoor growing space. Its naturally bushy growth responds especially well to regular pinching, allowing gardeners to harvest fresh leaves repeatedly throughout the warm season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLarge, glossy green leaves with classic Genovese-style basil flavor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHeirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated variety.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eApproximately 60 days to leaf maturity under suitable conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWarm-season annual with upright, bushy growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWell suited to garden beds, raised beds, containers, and bright indoor growing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA versatile culinary basil for pesto, sauces, pasta, salads, vegetables, and more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Italian Large Leaf Basil\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ocimum basilicum\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Italian Large Leaf\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Genovese-type culinary basil\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCultivar Traits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heirloom, Open-Pollinated\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLife Cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright and bushy\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 18–24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich green\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, consistently moist but well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 60 days under suitable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 90 days when plants are allowed to flower and set seed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBasil needs warmth. Start seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before the final spring frost or direct sow outdoors after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Sow approximately 1\/4 inch deep and keep the seedbed consistently moist without saturating it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnder favorable warm conditions, Italian Large Leaf basil commonly germinates in about 5–10 days. Thin or transplant plants to approximately 9–12 inches apart and provide full sun for strong, compact growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eContainer growing works very well for this variety. Choose a container with drainage holes, use a fertile potting mix, and do not allow the root zone to remain waterlogged. Basil can also be grown indoors when it receives strong, adequate light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvest \u0026amp; Enjoy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce plants are established, harvest by cutting or pinching stems just above a pair of leaves. New shoots develop below the cut, encouraging a fuller plant and providing additional harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eItalian Large Leaf basil is particularly useful when a recipe calls for plenty of fresh basil. The broad aromatic leaves work beautifully in pesto, tomato sauces, pasta, salads, soups, vegetables, sandwiches, and Mediterranean-style dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf the goal is leaf production, remove flower buds as they appear. Allowing basil to flower naturally shifts more of the plant's energy toward flowering and seed production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to Expect\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eItalian Large Leaf is a tender warm-season basil and does not tolerate frost. Outdoor growth slows as temperatures cool, so plan to make a final harvest before freezing weather arrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConsistent moisture supports tender leaf growth, but constantly wet, poorly drained soil increases the risk of root and foliar disease. Good airflow, full sun, and avoiding prolonged leaf wetness can help reduce disease pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Italian Large Leaf the same as Genovese basil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItalian Large Leaf is commonly described as a Genovese-type basil because it provides the familiar culinary profile associated with traditional Italian basil. It is sold as its own named variety, Italian Large Leaf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Italian Large Leaf basil grow in a container?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. This variety is well suited to containers. Use a fertile, well-drained potting mix, provide strong light, and water often enough that the mix does not completely dry out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow this basil indoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Basil can be grown indoors when it receives sufficient light and warm conditions. A bright sunny location or appropriate grow lighting is important for compact, productive growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow often should I harvest basil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest regularly once plants are established. Pinching stems just above a pair of leaves encourages new branches and helps maintain a bushier plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShould I let Italian Large Leaf basil flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your goal is a continued leaf harvest, pinch off flower buds as they appear. If you want flowers or seed, allow selected plants to bloom and mature naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mai's Family","offers":[{"title":"1000 Seeds","offer_id":67747958784306,"sku":"693039732136","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2000 Seeds","offer_id":67747958817074,"sku":"693039732137","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Grams","offer_id":67747958849842,"sku":"693039732138","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Grams","offer_id":67747958882610,"sku":"693039732139","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Oz","offer_id":67747958915378,"sku":"693039732140","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0687\/9743\/2114\/files\/maisfamily_b7002ab4-20dc-4bc3-9a81-15eda161c516.png?v=1790551551","url":"https:\/\/maisfamily.us\/products\/italian-large-leaf-basil-seeds","provider":"Mai's Family","version":"1.0","type":"link"}