Prospera Italian Large Leaf

Basil

Zone 2b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Prospera Italian Large Leaf

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Plush, oversized leaves unfurl with a vivid, living green and a deeply aromatic perfume that rises the moment you brush the folia…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 17th
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 1st
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Mortgage Lifter VFN Tomato

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Ocimum basilicum (Italian large-leaf basil), and how do I treat it?

Watch for downy mildew, which shows as pale/yellow patches on the top of leaves and a gray-purple fuzzy growth on the undersides—this is common in humid, crowded basil. Remove badly affected leaves, increase airflow by spacing plants and thinning to one strong stem per pot, and water only at the soil line early in the day. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide appropriate for basil/leafy herbs and follow the label reapplication interval.

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

During active growth (roughly after seedlings establish through harvest), keep the top 1 inch of soil lightly moist but not soggy. In full sun, that typically means watering about 1–2 times per week depending on your soil and pot size; water deeply until excess drains, then let the surface dry slightly before the next watering. Avoid wetting the leaves, because basil foliage that stays damp encourages mildew.

How can I tell when Italian large-leaf basil is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 8–12 inches tall and have several sets of mature leaf pairs, typically around 60 days from sowing. Pinch or cut just above a leaf node, taking the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant to encourage branching. If leaves are still small and plants are mostly single-stem, wait a bit longer—basil flavor is best before flowering.

Plush, oversized leaves unfurl with a vivid, living green and a deeply aromatic perfume that rises the moment you brush the foliage. Prospera Italian Large Leaf basil offers a tender, substantial leaf texture—broad enough to feel luxurious in the hand—while staying richly flavorful for classic Italian-style herb use. Grow it for bold fresh garnishing, fragrant pesto, and aromatic sauces where its full-bodied basil character truly shines.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Pinch the first set of flower buds and harvest frequently to keep wide, crisp leaves and reduce bolting.