Kitchen Herbs
Heirloom Salad Leaf Basil
(Ocimum basilicum)
We call our selected lettuce leaf strain Salad Leaf Basil because its broad 4 inch leaves are perfect to shred into green salads or add aromatic flavor to sandwiches in place of lettuce. The big tender green leaves are mild and sweetly fragrant, and their crinkled texture holds dressings or sauces well. Try them as wrappers around slivers of ham or cheese for delicious fresh appetizers, or anywhere you crave a buttery, mild basil accent.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tender
TO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is warm, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden 8 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Remember — it is critical to plant basil in the garden only after late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage branching. Harvest sprays of leaves by cutting stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to get lush regrowth. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed regularly to promote new growth.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May – June
|
April – July
|
Full sun
|
1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep |
7 – 14 days
|
1 – 1 1/2 feet
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May – June
|
April – July
|
Full sun
|
1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep |
7 – 14 days
|
1 – 1 1/2 feet
|
Cold Winters
May – June
|
Mild Winters
April – July
|
Sun/Shade
Full sun
|
Sow Seeds
1 inch apart
1/4 inch deep |
Days To Germinate
7 – 14 days
|
Mature Height
1 – 1 1/2 feet
|