Lettuce Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a striking heirloom basil known for its enormous, crinkled leaves that resemble loose-leaf lettuce. The tender foliage has a mild, sweet basil flavor without the strong bite of some other varieties, making it extremely versatile in the kitchen. Its oversized leaves are perfect for layering in sandwiches, using as a wrap for meats, vegetables, or rice, and adding fresh flavor to salads. They can also be used whole in place of lettuce on burgers, tucked into fresh summer rolls, blended into pesto, or torn into pasta dishes and caprese salads. Vigorous and productive, lettuce leaf basil grows into a full, bushy plant that provides abundant harvests throughout the warm season.
Seed Count:
Life Cycle: Annual
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 10–12 inches
Germination: 5–10 days
Water: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
Height: 18–24 inches
Harvest: Pick leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering
Special Features: Very large leaves, mild sweet flavor, excellent for fresh culinary use
