{"product_id":"heirloom-large-leaf-italian-basil-seeds","title":"Heirloom Large Leaf Italian Basil Seeds","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"content-toggle-product-details-read-more\" class=\"wt-content-toggle__body wt-content-toggle__body--truncated wt-content-toggle__body--truncated-02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n        \u003cp data-product-details-description-text-content=\"\" class=\"wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word\"\u003e\n            This popular heirloom variety is a favorite among Italian cooks for its perfect balance of mild and sweet flavors. Large Leaf Italian Basil produces abundant medium to large leaves, with some reaching up to 4 inches long—the largest leaves of any basil variety! This easy-to-grow basil is perfect for making pesto, adding to fresh salads, and enhancing cooked dishes with its rich, classic flavor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLarge Leaf Basil hails from the Italian provinces of Genoa, Savona, and Imperia. However, basil originally grew in India and ancient Persia, and has a long history as one of the most revered herbs. Throughout history, basil has been associated with love \u0026amp; protection, though some cultures viewed it with superstition. English royalty, fond of its scent and flavor, dubbed it \"the king of herbs.\" Its enduring popularity has made it a staple in gardens, bouquets, and kitchens alike.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e* SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILED GROWING INFO *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:  \u003cbr\u003e• Heirloom  \u003cbr\u003e• Organic  \u003cbr\u003e• Non-GMO  \u003cbr\u003e• Open Pollinated  \u003cbr\u003e• Untreated  \u003cbr\u003e• US Grown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• growing instructions included\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSustainable Packaging \u0026amp; Shipping:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled  mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e* DIRECTIONS *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCommon Names: Large Leaf Italian Basil\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLatin Name: Ocimum basilicum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eType: Herb\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLife Cycle: Annual\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUSDA Zones: 9 - 11 (grown as an annual in other zones)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStratification: Not required\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGermination Ease: Easy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSunlight: Full Sun\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMoisture: Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSoil: Rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 18-24 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpread: 12-18 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eColor: Dark green leaves\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBloom Season: Summer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCompanion Plants:  Ideal for growing alongside tomatoes, peppers, and beans. Promotes plant health and deters pests.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClimate Adaptability: Adaptable to warm climates; does not tolerate frost.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Sowing ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen to Start Inside: 6-8 weeks before your average last frost date.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen to Start Outside: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWatering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLight and Temperature: Large Leaf Italian Basil prefers full sun and warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGermination: Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiming: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the risk of frost has passed and the soil is warm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLocation: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTransplanting: Gently transplant seedlings into the prepared soil, ensuring the root ball is covered and the plant is stable. Water well after planting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Growing ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWatering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFertilizing: Basil benefits from a balanced fertilizer or compost worked into the soil before planting. A light side-dressing of compost or fertilizer can be applied every few weeks during the growing season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePest and Disease Management: Monitor for pests such as aphids, slugs, and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaintenance: Pinch off the flower buds to encourage leaf production and prevent the plant from going to seed too early.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Harvesting ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen to Harvest: Harvest leaves as needed, typically 50-60 days after sowing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow to Harvest: Pinch off individual leaves or cut entire stems just above a leaf node. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrying and Storing: Basil is best used fresh. For long-term storage, basil leaves can be dried or frozen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Seed Saving ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAllow one or two plants to flower and produce seeds. Once the seed heads have dried, collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for future planting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Additional Information ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForage for Pollinators: Large Leaf Italian Basil flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Large Leaf Italian Basil, the herb of choice for traditional Italian dishes, originates from the Italian provinces of Genoa, Savona, and Imperia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNomenclature: The genus name \"Ocimum\" comes from the Greek word for fragrant, reflecting the plant’s aromatic qualities. The species name \"basilicum\" means royal, highlighting its historical value.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClimate Adaptability: Thrives in warm climates; best grown as an annual in most regions.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e\n        \n    \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Eternatradellc","offers":[{"title":"200+ organic seeds","offer_id":48426122936561,"sku":"TCSHOYX","price":0.93,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0792\/9036\/8241\/files\/Output_444.jpg?v=1784538866","url":"https:\/\/eternatradellc.com\/products\/heirloom-large-leaf-italian-basil-seeds","provider":"Eternatradellc","version":"1.0","type":"link"}