How to Grow Italian Large Leaf Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Italian Large Leaf Basil is a fragrant warm-season herb prized for its large leaves and robust flavor in culinary dishes. Gardeners cultivate it to enhance sauces, pizzas, and salads while enjoying its easy growth in sunny spots.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Italian Large Leaf Basil: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Italian Large Leaf Basil is not usually started indoors.
Do not start indoors before the last frost; instead, wait until soil is warm and all frost danger has passed before moving seedlings or direct sowing outdoors.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. As a warm-season crop, start seeds indoors only after the last spring frost when soil is warm, or direct sow outdoors once all danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Germination typically occurs within 5 to 10 days under proper warmth.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun to partial shade. Provide consistent moisture, aiming for one inch of water weekly without waterlogging the roots. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and feed lightly with balanced fertilizer if growth slows or leaves yellow.
Watch for aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, slugs, fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, and downy mildew. Prevent issues by ensuring good airflow, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected foliage immediately. Harvest leaves starting at 74 days after sowing; cut stems just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth.
When to Plant Italian Large Leaf Basil
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | January | — | April – December |
Companion Plants for Italian Large Leaf Basil
✓ Good companions
Basil repels asparagus beetles while asparagus doesn't compete for nutrients
Basil helps repel carrot flies and other root pests without competing for space
Basil provides light shade for lettuce and may improve its growth and flavor
Attract beneficial insects and repel nematodes and aphids that may harm basil
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and can repel common garden pests together
Compatible growing conditions and basil may help deter pests from parsley
Basil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
Basil repels hornworms and aphids while potentially improving tomato flavor
✗ Keep away from
Strongly allelopathic herb that can stunt basil growth and reduce essential oil production
Can inhibit basil growth due to different water needs and potential allelopathic effects
May compete aggressively for nutrients and can inhibit basil's vigorous growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
