Italian Large Leaf Basil, Heirloom Seeds

Italian Large Leaf Basil — Sweeter Than Genovese, Deeply Aromatic, a Butterfly Favorite

Italian Large Leaf Basil is the classic Italian basil that takes everything you love about Genovese and turns up the sweetness. Compared to Genovese, the scent and taste are noticeably sweeter — a rich, very aromatic fragrance that fills the garden and the kitchen. Large, lush leaves are used fresh and dried in pesto, pasta, tomato dishes, salads, dressings, and as a seasoning for meat, poultry, and fish.

An excellent companion plant for tomatoes, and a magnet for butterflies — beautiful, productive, and practical all at once. 79 days.

Why Grow Italian Large Leaf Basil?

• Sweeter than Genovese — richer, more aromatic scent and flavor
• Large, lush leaves — ideal for pesto, pasta, and Italian cooking
• Versatile in the kitchen — excellent fresh and dried for meat, poultry, fish, salads & dressings
• Butterfly magnet — popular with pollinators throughout the season
• Excellent tomato companion — plant alongside tomatoes for mutual benefit
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost danger has passed. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in fertile, well-draining soil. Transplant or thin to 12–18 inches apart in full sun. Water consistently but avoid waterlogging. Pinch flower buds as they appear to extend the harvest season and keep leaves at peak sweetness. Harvest leaves regularly for best production.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.