How to Grow Large Leaf Basil

Basil includes more than 150 species in the world and comes in a variety of flavors and leaf shapes. Large leaf basil, such as Italian large leaf, is used fresh and dry in a number of recipes. This includes pesto, salads, pasta dishes, dressings, sauces as well as anything made with vegetables, poultry, fish and meats. Basil is an annual, scented herb considered easy-to-grow. Make plans to sow large leaf basil seeds in the garden after the last frost.

Shovel
Rake
Compost
Aged manure
Peat moss

Instructions

- 1
  Clear a spot to grow large leaf basil in full sunlight. Find a location with well-draining soil.
- 2
  Add at least 2 inches of organic matter, such as compost, peat and manure. Work this into the soil to a depth of 6 inches.
- 3
  Sow one large leaf basil seed 1/8-inch deep every 8 to 10 inches. Space rows 18 inches apart.
- 4
  Dampen the soil and water as needed to maintain moist conditions until seedlings emerge in one to three weeks. Continue to supply water weekly throughout the growing season in the absence of rain, or as needed to maintain evenly moist soil.
- 5
  Pinch the basil plants throughout the growing season. This encourages bushier plants.
- 6
  Cut the basil plants down by six leaf sets, leaving only two leaf sets on the plants. This keeps the plant from producing flowers.

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