{"product_id":"sweet-basil-seeds-italian-large-leaf","title":"Sweet Basil Seeds – Italian Large Leaf, Non-GMO Heirloom","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. Plant generously for a steady kitchen supply, or succession-sow for fresh basil all season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e New to this variety? Read our full guide, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/organorepublic.com\/blogs\/growing-guides\/italian-large-leaf-basil\"\u003eHow to Grow Italian Large Leaf Basil From Seed\u003c\/a\u003e, for step by step sowing, spacing, and harvest tips.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organo Republic","offers":[{"title":"1G","offer_id":45318703972559,"sku":"ORIHBI_05_09","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5G","offer_id":45318704005327,"sku":"ORIHBI_05_10","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/6437\/1919\/files\/Italian-Basil-Italian-Large-Leaf-Seeds-Organo-Republic-266948820.png?v=1783463372","url":"https:\/\/organorepublic.com\/products\/sweet-basil-seeds-italian-large-leaf","provider":"Organo Republic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}