Introduction to the Napoletano basil variety: growing and propagation speed
Whether flavoring a rich tomato sauce or making the perfect from-scratch pesto, basil is a versatile and delicious fresh herb. Combined with its growing habits, it is easy to understand why this tasty plant is a favorite of many home gardeners. While the flavor offered by many basil varieties can vary greatly, some growers prefer the intense taste of more traditional basil types.
One of these, called Napoletano basil, is prized for its pungent flavor and large green leaves. What is Napoletano Basil? Napoletano basil is believed to have originated in Italy and is a light green leaf. Commonly known as lettuce-leaf basil or large-leaf basil, this plant's size and branching habit make it a top choice for culinary use. The lush plants also add fragrant and visual appeal to the vegetable garden.
Growing Napoletano basil is just like growing any other type of basil, and Napoletano is fairly easy to grow in the garden. While Napoletano basil plants can be found for sale at local nurseries or online, many growers prefer to grow this plant from seed. Doing so will ensure an abundance of plants at a reasonable cost. When choosing to grow basil from seed, gardeners have a few options. While many may choose to start basil seeds indoors using seed trays and grow lights, most gardeners choose to sow the seeds directly into the garden after all possibility of frost has passed.
To direct sow, simply plant the seeds into a well-amended, weed-free garden bed and water. Following the seed packet instructions, gently press the seeds into the soil at the recommended spacing. Seedlings should emerge within 7-10 days of planting. Once established, growers can begin picking basil leaves in as little as 10 weeks. To harvest basil, cut small stems from the plant. Since basil is a “cut-and-come-again” plant, frequent harvesting of basil leaves will prompt the plant to produce more leaves and prevent the plant from going to seed. When harvesting, never remove more than 1/4 of the plant at one time. This will help ensure healthy, continued growth throughout the season.
