Basil Napoletano Heirloom Seed

Ocimum basilicum

Item #5023

Annual. Sometimes called, 'lettuce leaf basil', Napoletano has crinkled leaves that can reach up to 5" long! The large mild-flavored leaves are delcious when used to wrap fish or chicken, on tomato and mozzarella sandwiches, or added to cold pasta dishes. Plants are slow to bolt, allowing a longer harvest period, and can grow up to 24" tall. They can be grown in containers or on a sunny south-facing windowsill and pinched back to keep them more compact and to encourage more leaf production.

This packet plants twelve 10 foot rows.

Annual

Full sun

18”-24” tall
12” wide

Days to Emerge:
5-10 days

Seed Depth:
1/4”

Seed Spacing:
A group of 4
seeds every
6”-12”

Thinning:
When 2” tall,
thin to 1
every 6”-12”

When to sow outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost, and when temperatures are warm. Basil is very sensitive to frost.

When to start inside: 6 to 8 weeks before planting outside.

Special sowing instructions: Easy to grow from seed. Must have warm temperatures; wait to plant until nighttime temperatures are above 50° F.

Harvesting: Basil should be harvested before the plant flowers. The leaves have more flavor when harvested in the morning. The young, top leaves taste the best, and should be used fresh; the older leaves may be used for vinegar and pesto. Cut a few stems but never more than 1/3 of the plant. Wash stems, gently shake dry, and strip the leaves off the stem. If there is any chance of temperature dropping to 32° F, harvest crop immediately; basil is very frost sensitive.

Artist: Donna Clement

Send your photo to us