Italian Large Leaf Basil

Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum 'Italian Large Leaf'

Also Known As

Sweet Basil

Plant type

perennial, herb, annual / biennial

size

H: 12"-24"
W: 12"-15"

planting zones

10a-12

More Options

Italian Large Leaf Basil plant details

Italian Large Leaf Basil is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen annual / biennial or perennial herb with green foliage. In summer pink and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Italian Large Leaf Basil

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 15 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in summer
Uses: culinary, edible, fragrant foliage

GROWING CONDITIONS for Italian Large Leaf Basil

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Let’s face it - we want it all when it comes to our gardens - aromatic, beautiful, easy & useful - am I right? Well, we can have it all with this essential Basil, a key ingredient in Northern Italian cooking. Giant (to 3" long), glossy-green, fragrant & tasty leaves fill out a gorgeous, slow-to-bolt plant that grows to 2' tall by 15" wide in no time at all - PLUS, it helps chase away unwanted garden pests, like aphids & mites! Not only the very best Basil to use in fresh pesto, take delight in the thinly-sliced leaves sprinkled over your sliced, summer-ripe tomatoes this pairing makes for great side-by-side garden companions, too. Dried, this herb delivers a sweet/savory punch to your soups, sauces & veggies year 'round! (To dry, hang the entire plant upside down, then pick off whole leaves & store them for up to a year - don't crumble leaves until you're ready to use 'em, to maintain the flavor!) Pinch it back to keep it compact & to forestall the lovely little pink-white flowers that signal the season's end.