How to Grow Italian Giant
Wikimedia Commons
Italian Giant
Ocimum basilicum 'Italian Giant'
herbItalian Giant is a large-leafed basil variety prized for its robust flavor and impressive foliage size, producing leaves up to twice the size of common basil. This cultivar is a favorite in Mediterranean cooking and grows as a compact, bushy annual that reaches 12-18 inches tall. It's ideal for both culinary use and ornamental garden displays.
When should you plant Italian Giant in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Italian Giant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Italian Giant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Italian Giant
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Italian Giant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10 as an annual; can overwinter in zones 9-11
Sign up free to see if Italian Giant grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Italian Giant timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with small oval cotyledons; first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks
Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy). Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F). Provide bright light once sprouted. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves, becoming bushier; characteristic large, glossy green leaves emerge; stem thickens and woody base forms
Pinch off flower buds and top 1/4 inch of stem regularly to encourage bushiness. Water consistently. Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 6 inches tall. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches full size (12-18 inches); terminal buds begin to form; leaf size and oil content peak
Continue pinching to delay flowering and maintain leaf quality. Harvest leaves generously to encourage more branching. Ensure adequate water and full sun exposure.
Flowering
4-8 weeks (can be extended by removing flowers)White or pale purple flower spikes emerge at stem tips; leaves become smaller and less flavorful as plant shifts energy to reproduction
Pinch off flower buds as they appear to extend the harvest season and maintain leaf quality. If allowing some flowers, harvest before they fully open for best flavor retention.
Seed Production & Senescence
3-6 weeks or until frostFlowers fully develop and fade; seed pods mature to brown; plant vigor declines; growth slows significantly
Save some flowers for seed production if desired. Plants decline in cold weather or after heavy seed production. Consider replanting new crop. Pull and compost spent plants.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick in early morning; use neem oil spray; plant trap crops nearby
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil if severe
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps
-
and
Hand-pick at dusk; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage natural predators
-
Use disease-resistant varieties; ensure good drainage; remove infected plants; rotate basil planting location annually
Uses
Pesto & Fresh Cooking
CulinaryItalian Giant's large leaves and robust flavor make it ideal for homemade pesto, pasta dishes, salads, and fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and the larger size means fewer leaves are needed for recipes. [source]
Infusions & Oils
CulinaryThe aromatic leaves infuse beautifully into vinegars, oils, and syrups for gourmet cooking applications. Dried leaves retain flavor well and can be stored for winter use in soups and sauces. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Aid
MedicinalBasil has been used traditionally to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide antimicrobial benefits. Tea brewed from fresh or dried leaves may help with digestive discomfort and promote overall gut health. [source]
Natural Insect Repellent
HouseholdThe essential oils in basil act as a natural insect repellent and can be used in homemade sprays or dried arrangements to deter flies, mosquitoes, and other pests indoors and around garden areas. [source]
Dried Herb & Aromatics
CraftItalian Giant's large leaves dry beautifully and maintain their fragrance, making them perfect for dried flower arrangements, herbal sachets, and aromatic décor. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when plant is 6-8 inches tall by pinching off top 1/4 inch of stem, which encourages bushiness. Harvest regularly throughout the season—frequent harvesting promotes more growth. Pick leaves in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and oil content. Remove flower buds to extend the harvest season and maintain tender leaf quality. For best flavor, harvest before the plant flowers. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Italian Giant basil leaves can grow up to 2-3 inches long, significantly larger than common basil varieties, reducing preparation time and making them ideal for whole-leaf garnishes.
- 🌱 Basil was historically associated with love and passion in Italian culture, and some traditions held that gifting a basil plant was a romantic gesture symbolizing deep affection.
- 🌱 The distinctive aroma of basil comes from essential oils including linalool and eugenol, the same compounds found in cloves, which explains the subtle spice notes in the flavor.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Italian Giant planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Italian Giant seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Italian Giant timeline →