---
title: Large Leaf Basil
created: 2026-05-24
updated: 2026-05-25
type: entity
tags: [herbs, heirloom, open-pollinated, rabbit-friendly]
sources: [raw/articles/seedvault-home-page.md]
---
# Large Leaf Basil
## Overview
Largest leaves of any basil variety (2-4" long). Sweet, spicy flavor for cooking, fresh use, sauces, and dishes. Essential herb garden staple.
- **Category:** Herbs
- **Price:** $3.12
- **Variety Type:** Open-pollinated
## Growing Instructions
### Sowing
Thrives in warm weather, no frost threat. Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost with heat. Direct sow 1/4" deep in rich soil (pH 6.0-7.0), full sun. Thin to 15-18" apart. Grows well indoors or in containers.
### Germination
5-10 days at 70-85°F
### Care
Well-draining soil, frequent watering. Protect below 50°F. Prune for bushy growth — remove top several leaf sets, keep at least 3 sets lower. Stop flowering to prevent wilting.
### Harvest
60-70 days. Pick leaves regularly, avoid flowering for best flavor.
## Soil & Conditions
- **pH:** 6.0-7.0, well-draining, rich compost. Consistent moisture.
## Seed Storage
- **Viability:** 2-4 years cool/dry. Store below 40°F.
- **Pre-treatment:** None required. Warm germination (70-85°F).
## Yield
- **Per Plant:** 0.5-1 lb per plant
- **Harvest Season:** Summer through fall
- **Note:** Pinch flowers for continuous harvest
Allow flower spikes to form. Small black seeds at flower base. Cut spikes when most have formed, dry in paper bags, rub to release seeds.
## Pest & Disease
Aphids, whiteflies, downy mildew (water at base, improve airflow). Avoid wet leaves.
## Harvest & Preservation
Strip leaves from stems. Store in oil or freeze in ice cubes with water. Dry whole leaves away from light — never in direct sun (loses essential oils).
## Companion Planting
### Good Companions
- **[[roma-tomatoes]], [[jalapeno-peppers]]** — Repels hornworms, thrips, mosquitoes
### Part of: Salad Bowl, Mediterranean Bed
- See [[companion-planting]] for full combination details
## Related
- [[seedvault-market]]
- [[grow-guides]]
- [[seed-catalog]]