{"product_id":"200-italian-large-leaf-basil-seeds-heirloom-non-gmo-aromatic-herb","title":"200 Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds – Heirloom Non-GMO Aromatic Herb","description":"\u003cp\u003eItalian Large Leaf Basil is a classic heirloom herb prized for its large, tender leaves and sweet, aromatic flavor. This versatile basil is a staple in Italian cuisine, perfect for fresh pesto, caprese salads, and tomato dishes. The plants grow vigorously and produce abundant foliage, making them a rewarding choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith its strong fragrance and rich taste, Italian Large Leaf Basil is an essential addition to any herb garden, container, or kitchen windowsill. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and offers a continuous harvest throughout the growing season when regularly pinched back.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge, smooth leaves with a sweet, mild basil flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous growth habit and high yields\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom, non-GMO seeds for authentic taste\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for fresh use, pesto, and drying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts beneficial pollinators when allowed to flower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ocimum basilicum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual herb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (6-8 hours daily)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, fertile soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil consistently moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, bushy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-10 (grown as annual)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1\/4 inch deep at 70-75°F (21-24°C); germination in 5-10 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10-12 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Italian Large Leaf Basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or directly in the garden after danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds 1\/4 inch deep in moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin or transplant to 10-12 inches apart. Basil prefers full sun and warm temperatures; provide afternoon shade in extremely hot climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly, preferably in the morning, to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf production and maintain flavor. Harvest leaves as needed, starting from the top of the plant. Basil is sensitive to cold; protect plants if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e200 Italian Large Leaf Basil seeds (heirloom, non-GMO).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67776200114486,"sku":"FOLIA-386","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6637241474_nvtj.jpg?v=1792468317","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/200-italian-large-leaf-basil-seeds-heirloom-non-gmo-aromatic-herb","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}