Italian Large Leaf

Basil

50d to harvest

Fragrant as a warm summer breeze, Italian Large Leaf basil fills the garden with a lush, sweet-anise lift and a distinctly rounded, green flavor. Leaves are broad and tender with a velvety, succulent texture—ideal for generous handfuls of fresh use and for bold, aromatic sauces that cling with ease. Grow Italian Large Leaf for its fast, satisfying 50-day turnaround and its showy, kitchen-garden presence from first harvest to the season’s peak.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 7th
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 30th
Harvest Begins	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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

Durango Red Marigold

Tigerella Tomato

Felix Peppers

Darby Red & Yellow Tomato

Fireball Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common basil (Ocimum basilicum) disease or pest, and how do I fix it?

Fungal downy mildew is one of the most common problems in basil, showing as yellow patches on the top of leaves with gray-purple growth on the underside. Remove infected leaves immediately, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid wetting foliage when you water. If mildew keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide suitable for edible herbs and follow the timing on the label.

How often should I water Italian Large Leaf basil during the main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly the first 4–6 weeks), keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering at the base so excess moisture doesn’t linger on the leaves. In hot weather you may need watering every 1–2 days, while cooler periods may stretch to every 3–4 days.