Sweet Basil
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Lettuce Leaf basil brings the gentle essence of Japanese herb gardens to your growing space with its extraordinary 5-6 inch crimped leaves that dwarf ordinary basil varieties. This sweet Japanese cultivar reaches 16-18 inches tall in zones 8-11, developing thick stems and bright green foliage that's milder than its Italian cousins. Ready for harvest in 70-79 days, these Jurassic-sized leaves pack surprising versatility, serving double duty as both aromatic herb and crisp lettuce substitute in Asian cuisine.
Full Sun
High
8-11
18in H x ?in W
Annual
High
Hover over chart points for details
What sets Lettuce Leaf basil apart is its remarkable leaf size combined with surprisingly gentle flavor that makes it perfect for wraps and fresh eating. The crimped, bright green leaves can reach up to 6 inches across while maintaining a sweet, mildly verdant taste that's more subtle than Genovese basil. This Japanese heirloom produces abundant growth on compact 16-18 inch plants with thicker stems than typical basil varieties. Its versatility shines in the kitchen, excelling at everything from gallons of mild pesto to serving as actual lettuce in sandwiches and wraps.
This versatile basil excels at fresh applications where its mild flavor and substantial leaf size shine. The large leaves make perfect natural wraps for savory chicken and other fillings, while their gentle taste works beautifully in fresh salads without overwhelming other ingredients. It produces exceptional quantities of mild pesto, and the leaves can be steeped into digestive teas. The variety serves double duty as both aromatic herb and crisp lettuce substitute in sandwiches and Asian-inspired dishes.
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-draining seed-starting mix, maintaining soil temperature at 60°F for germination, though 70-75°F is ideal. Keep soil consistently moist during the 6-10 day germination period.
Transplant seedlings outdoors only after nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart, allowing room for their bushy growth habit.
Direct sow seeds 1-2 weeks after the average last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F, ideally 65-85°F. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin seedlings to proper spacing once they emerge.
Begin harvesting when leaves reach 4-5 inches and produce their characteristic sweet scent, typically before the plants bloom. Cut leaves regularly to encourage continued production, as the plants will keep producing until the first frost arrives. Harvest in the morning after dew has dried for best flavor and storage life. The large leaves are ready when they're fully developed and have a bright green color with their distinctive crimped texture.
Regular harvesting and pinching encourages bushier growth and prevents flowering, which can make leaves bitter. Pinch off flower buds as they form to extend leaf production throughout the growing season. The variety is known to bolt less than other basils but still benefits from consistent harvest to maintain productivity.
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“This distinctive basil variety originated in Japan, where it developed its characteristic oversized, crimped leaves and gentler flavor profile compared to Mediterranean basils. As an heirloom cultivar, Lettuce Leaf basil represents the Japanese approach to basil breeding, selecting for larger, more tender leaves that could serve multiple culinary purposes. Its journey from Japanese gardens to Western seed catalogs reflects the growing appreciation for Asian herb varieties and their unique characteristics that differ from the more familiar Italian basil types.”