Italian Large Leaf
Italian Large Leaf Basil produces magnificent 3-4 inch leaves that dwarf typical basil varieties, making pesto preparation a breeze with just a handful of these glossy green giants. This classic Genovese-type cultivar reaches 18-24 inches tall and thrives in zones 4-11, ready for harvest in about 60 days. Sources vary on exact timing, with some reporting harvest as early as 25 days while others suggest 70-78 days for full maturity. The robust plants develop a bushy habit when properly pinched, creating aromatic powerhouses that naturally repel garden pests like aphids and tomato hornworms.
Full Sun
High
4-11
24in H x 18in W
Annual
High
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The standout feature of Italian Large Leaf Basil is undoubtedly its oversized foliage, with individual leaves reaching 3-4 inches across compared to typical basil varieties. These substantial leaves contain concentrated oils that deliver the classic sweet-spicy basil flavor while requiring fewer leaves for cooking, making it incredibly efficient for fresh preparations and pesto making. The plants naturally deter harmful insects through their lemony-sweet fragrance, serving double duty as both culinary herb and companion plant. Their impressive size and bushy growth habit make them equally stunning in garden beds or containers, reaching up to 2 feet tall with proper care.
Italian Large Leaf Basil excels in fresh culinary applications where its generous leaf size truly shines. The variety is particularly prized for making pesto, where fewer leaves are needed to achieve rich flavor concentration. These substantial leaves are perfect for Caprese salads, creating beautiful layers with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and work wonderfully in simple preparations like herb-forward tomato sandwiches. The leaves can be used fresh in Italian sauces and Mediterranean dishes, dried and crumbled for later use, or frozen in ice cube trays with oil or water for year-round cooking convenience.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, planting 4-6 seeds per cell at 1/4 inch deep in moderately moist, well-drained potting mix. Seeds germinate in 5-10 days and should be thinned to 1-2 plants per pot once true leaves establish. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.
Transplant hardened seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, spacing them 9-12 inches apart in the garden with full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
Direct sow seeds after the last frost date, planting them 1/4 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart in moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun locations.
Begin harvesting Italian Large Leaf Basil once plants have sufficient foliage, typically around 60 days from sowing, though some sources report earlier harvest possible. Always harvest leaves before the plant flowers to maintain optimal flavor and oil content. Cut stems just above a set of leaves rather than removing individual leaves, which encourages bushier growth. For maximum oil content and flavor, harvest on dry mornings before the heat of the day, and avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at once to prevent damage.
Regular pinching is essential for Italian Large Leaf Basil to maintain bushy growth and continuous leaf production. Pinch off the tallest growth and any flower buds that appear, as flowering causes the flavor to become too strong and reduces leaf quality. Harvest by pinching stems just above a set of leaves, which encourages branching and keeps plants producing. Prune monthly during the growing season, and consider applying liquid nitrogen fertilizer after pruning sessions to support recovery and new growth.
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