Lettuce Leaf Basil

Lettuce leaf basil produces large, tender, aromatic green leaves, ideal for pesto, salads, sandwiches, and summer dishes.

Format

Hardiness Not hardy

Difficulty level Easy

Family Lamiaceae

Lettuce leaf basil is an annual herb prized for its very large, broad, crinkled, tender green leaves that resemble the texture of a lettuce leaf. Its generous foliage offers a sweet, fresh, and slightly spicy aroma, perfect for homemade pestos, salads, sandwiches, wraps, tomato sauces, pasta, and summer dishes. Thanks to its large, easy-to-harvest leaves, it is ideal for vegetable gardens, herb boxes, edible planters, and container gardening near the kitchen.

Easy to grow, lettuce leaf basil prefers a warm, sunny, wind-protected location in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering to maintain tender and flavorful foliage, while avoiding excess water at the roots. To encourage a denser plant and extend the harvest, it is recommended to pinch the stem tips and remove flowers as soon as they appear. Frequent harvesting stimulates the production of new leaves and allows for an abundant basil supply throughout the season.

Very productive and decorative, lettuce leaf basil is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a generous, easy-to-use, and very versatile variety in the kitchen. Its large leaves are perfect for wrapping fillings, replacing a lettuce leaf in certain recipes, or preparing a milder and more aromatic pesto. It is an essential herb for creating a gourmet, aromatic, and practical garden, both in containers and in the ground.