The Old Farmer's Almanac Heirloom Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds - USDA Organic

Freshly Packed: These seeds are packed for the current growing season and will provide high germination rates next year as well.

Premium Packaging: All seeds from The Old Farmer’s Almanac are packaged in individually styled packets ideal for gifts, storage or immediate use. Each packet displays the flower, vegetable, plant or herb variety on the front with instructions and plant facts on the back.

Growing Tips: Sow seeds about 1/4-inch deep in warm, moist, well drained soil. (Raised beds and pots work well as they allow for better drainage.) If planting indoors keep temperatures above 70° F; only plant seeds (or transplant seedlings) outdoors after nighttime temperatures will stay above 50° F. Make sure to give the plants plenty of sunlight as soon as seedlings appear. In hot, dry weather, container plants may need to be watered daily. Use mulch to help keep the ground moist.

For the best flavor harvest basil by pinching the stem just above a set of leaves, and use right away.

For drying or freezing cut whole stems, on a dry morning, and then hang loosely or freeze on a cookie sheet. Leaves have maximum oil content just before they flower.

Wit & Wisdom: Basil has a lovely fragrance. Pick from the stems and put in water for a few days as you would with cut flowers! Read The Old Farmer's Almanac Basil Growing Guide!

Companion Planting: Not only do tomatoes and basil taste great together, they grow great together. Growing basil next to tomatoes will yield better tomato crops as well as repel bugs.