{"product_id":"italian-basil-italian-large-leaf-seeds","title":"Italian Basil Italian Large Leaf Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eItalian Large Leaf basil (\u003cem\u003eOcimum basilicum\u003c\/em\u003e) is a classic sweet basil with big, tender leaves and a rich, mellow aroma. These non-GMO Italian basil seeds produce vigorous, upright plants whose broad leaves are ideal for pesto, sauces, and layering fresh onto pizza. It is the quintessential culinary basil for any kitchen garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho it's for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA must-grow for home cooks and pesto lovers who want large, flavorful leaves and gardeners looking for a reliable, productive summer herb.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow \u0026amp; when to plant\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost, or direct-sow once soil is warm and nights stay above 50°F. Sow 1\/4 inch deep, spacing plants 10–12 inches apart in full sun (6+ hours). This tender annual grows well in USDA zones 4–10; keep soil evenly moist and pinch growing tips to build a full, bushy plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHarvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaves are ready to pick in about 60–75 days. Harvest from the top by pinching stems just above a leaf pair, taking up to a third of the plant at a time. Removing flower buds as they appear keeps the leaves tender and the plant producing into fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBenefits \u0026amp; uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe large, sweet leaves are perfect for pesto, tomato sauces, caprese salad, and fresh garnishes. With around 4,050 seeds per packet, you can plant generously for a steady kitchen supply or succession-sow for fresh basil all season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this the best basil for pesto?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Its large, sweet, tender leaves make it an excellent choice for pesto, sauces, and fresh Italian dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many seeds come in a packet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach packet holds roughly 4,050 seeds, enough for large plantings or repeated succession sowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I keep it from flowering too soon?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePinch off flower buds as they form and harvest regularly; this keeps the plant leafy and delays bolting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organo Republic","offers":[{"title":"1G","offer_id":45318703972559,"sku":"ORIHBI_05_09","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5G","offer_id":45318704005327,"sku":"ORIHBI_05_10","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/6437\/1919\/files\/1gZqah9MTLsL1j3CfopXJQHkK8w72dZMl_s0.png?v=1782907243","url":"https:\/\/organorepublic.com\/products\/italian-basil-italian-large-leaf-seeds","provider":"Organo Republic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}