Lettuce Leaf

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Fragrant, sweet basil leaves unfurl with a lush, velvety sheen and a bright, aromatic lift that seems to rise from the garden bed at first harvest.

Lettuce Leaf basil forms broad, tender foliage with a gentle, leafy texture—ideal for generous pinching and quick use as a fragrant green centerpiece. Grow it for fresh, flavorful sprigs and for making fragrant sauces, pesto-style blends, and aromatic garnishes that perfume the whole table with its sweet basil character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 11th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 23rd
Harvest Begins	Jul 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This Lettuce Leaf–style basil gives you big, velvety leaves with a sweet, perfume-forward lift—more about aromatic presence than bitterness. Use it torn or chiffonaded at the end so it keeps its tender snap and doesn’t turn dull or grassy.

Best Uses

tear-and-toss salads where it stays bright and plush under light vinaigrettes
hand-chopped topping for tomatoes and fresh mozzarella—added at the last second
quick pesto or chiffonade into pasta off the heat so the fragrance doesn’t cook off
aromatic garnish for soups and broths right before serving

Flavor Profile

sweet, floral aromatics cool, tender leafy snap gentle herbal bite without harshness

Kitchen Pairings

tomatoes garlic extra-virgin olive oil lemon parmesan mozzarella

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Ocimum basilicum (leaf basil) and what should I do?

Leaf basil (Ocimum basilicum) is especially prone to downy mildew and leaf spots in cool, humid conditions. Keep plants spaced for airflow, water at the soil line, and remove infected leaves; if problems start, use a labeled fungicide for basil or an approved copper-based spray early in the outbreak. Watch for slugs and aphids as well—hand-pick slugs at dusk and spray aphids off with a strong jet of water, repeating as needed.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth, water leaf basil whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1–3 days depending on heat and pot size. Aim for evenly moist soil, not soggy—root rot risk rises quickly if the bed stays wet. Mulch lightly can help stabilize moisture, but don’t cover the crown tightly.

How can I tell when Ocimum basilicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest leaf basil when plants are 6–8 inches tall with multiple sets of leaves, usually around 40 days from sowing for early growth. Start picking the top leaves and pinch above a pair of leaf nodes to encourage branching; don’t strip more than about one-third of the plant at a time. If you see flower buds forming, harvest promptly and more frequently to keep leaves tender.