Lettuce Leaf Basil in a large vase with a ruler and a bowl of cut leaves on a white background.
Jere Gettle is holding up Lettuce Leaf Basil with leaves so big they cover his face!
A Baker Creek manager holding a giant bouquet of Lettuce Leaf Basil.
Lettuce Leaf Basil in a green vase with leaves on a white background.
Lettuce Leaf Basil in a large vase with a ruler and a bowl of cut leaves on a white background.
Jere Gettle is holding up Lettuce Leaf Basil with leaves so big they cover his face!
A Baker Creek manager holding a giant bouquet of Lettuce Leaf Basil.
Lettuce Leaf Basil in a green vase with leaves on a white background.

Basil Seeds,
Lettuce Leaf

4.760 ReviewsSKU: #HB108Min. seed count: 100
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Description

(Ocimum basilicum). Leaves are Jurassic in size but pleasantly mild in flavor, making Lettuce Leaf basil incredibly versatile in the kitchen. This sweet basil is just a bit more subtle than Genovese. It is great for making gallons of pesto, tossing into fragrant salads, and perfect for making delicious "Lettuce Leaf Basil Wraps." Productive and beautiful. The huge, 6-inch leaves are very nutritious, containing vitamin A and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium!

Growing Tips: Lettuce Leaf basil thrives in warm weather and requires full sun, with 8-12 hours of direct sunlight per day. Basil is highly sensitive to cold and frost, so it is very important not to plant outdoors too early. For optimal growth, it is important to pinch off flower buds as they form to extend the plant's leaf production. Regular harvesting encourages bushier plants and increases overall yield.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Ocimum basilicum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
6–10
Days to Maturity
60–75
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Lettuce Leaf basil is a heat-loving herb that should be grown only after the last frost has passed. Sow seeds or transplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 F. For most regions, this is late spring to early summer. If growing in cooler areas, consider using row covers to protect young plants from cool temperatures. To determine the best planting time for your area, consult local frost dates. Learn more about it by checking out our blog post, 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining, nutrient-rich seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of 70 to 75°F for proper germination. Transplant seedlings into the garden when the weather has warmed up. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart to provide room for their bushy growth. If direct seeding outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed and sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, thinning seedlings to the proper spacing once they emerge.

How to Grow

Lettuce Leaf basil requires consistently moist soil, but be careful not to waterlog it. Water the plants deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks with an organic, balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this may lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor intensity. Regularly pinch or harvest leaves to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from flowering.

How to Save Seeds

  • Flower heads mature progressively from the bottom of the stem to the top.
  • When the bottom seed head starts to turn brown, the stem can be cut and allowed to dry away from direct sun in a well-ventilated area.
  • Rub dried raceme over a fine wire mesh and winnow off the chaff.
  • Place chaff in a bowl and carefully swirl contents around. Seeds will gather at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Tip the bowl so that the chaff can be discarded and blow the rest out carefully.

FAQ

Can I grow Lettuce Leaf basil indoors?

Yes, it grows well indoors in containers, as long as it gets 8 to 12 hours of direct sunlight or sufficient supplemental lighting from grow lights. Make sure that the container has good drainage and is large enough.

Can I grow Lettuce Leaf basil year-round?

Basil can be grown year-round indoors with proper lighting and warm conditions, or outdoors only in frost-free regions such as USDA Zones 10b to 11. Everywhere else it is a warm-season annual that must be replanted each spring or brought indoors before frost.

How should I water my Lettuce Leaf basil?

Water basil deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

Browse our full range of basil seeds.
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