Overview:
This basil variety has the largest leaves of any of the basil varieties. Its sweet, spicy flavor has many kitchen uses such as: cooked, fresh, in sauces, and cooked into dishes. Plants grow large green leaves from 2″ to 4″ long.
Growing Instructions:
Sowing: Basil thrives in warm weather, it grows best when soil temperatures have risen and there is no threat of frost. Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them thinly in flats and providing heat to speed germination. Transplant 15-18″ apart when the seedlings develop. To direct sow, plant the seeds 1/4″ deep in rich soil (pH 6.0-7.0) and full sun, thinning to 15-18″ apart when seedlings develop. They also grow well indoors or as a container plant.
Germination: 5–10 days at 70–85°F.
Care: Basil thrives in soil that drains well, yet needs water often. If the weather drops below 50°F, provide protection. As the plant grows, pruning it helps it to develop into a bushy, healthy plant. Pruning is also important once the plant flowers as it will begin to wilt and die. To prune the plant remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least 3 sets of leaves on the lower plant.
Harvest: 60–70 days. Pick leaves regularly, avoiding flowering for best flavor.
