The Old Farmer's Almanac Heirloom Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds - Premium Non-GMO, Open Pollinated, Herb Seeds

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.

Are Your Seeds Organic? What does Certified Organic and/or USDA Organic Mean?
All Purely Organic Seeds (and many varieties of the other seed brands we carry) are Certified Organic and carry the USDA Organic Seal. This means that our seeds are non-GMO (not genetically modified), and are chemical and pesticide free. They have passed rigorously standards and certified by a USDA Accredited agency. To determine whether the seed packet you're interested in is organic, look for the USDA Organic seal.

Are Your Seeds Heirloom? What are Heirloom Seeds?
Heirloom Seeds (sometimes called Heritage Seeds) are open pollinated vegetable and herb seed strains that have been planted, grown and harvested for several generations (usually more than 30 or 50 years depending on the variety) with consistent results. Heirloom seeds are always non-GMO and are never hybrids. All of our vegetable and herb seeds are heirloom seeds.

Are Your Seeds Non-GMO? What Does Non-GMO Mean?
Non-GMO means seeds (or other products) that were produced without genetic engineering and were not derived from GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). All of our seeds are non-GMO.

Where do Your Seeds Come From?
Most of the seeds offered on our site are USA Origin seeds sourced from certified US based suppliers. We do also source a small number of seeds from other countries. To view the specific origin of any of our current seed offerings, check the seed packet or look in the specifications for "Country of Origin" on any product page.

Are Your Seeds Packed for the Current Growing Season?
All of our seed packets are packed for the current growing season. If stored properly they will provide high germination rates for 1-2 additional years as well.

How Can I Store My Seeds Safely for Use in the Future?
Our seeds will generally retain their high germination rates for several years from the date of purchase. If you're planning on saving your seeds for us in the future, the most important thing to remember that seeds like to be stored where it is cool, dry and dark. The easiest way to ensure this for long term storage at home is to double-seal your seeds inside two zipper style bags and then place them in the freezer. (Make sure you label your seeds for future reference if they're not in original packaging.) When you're ready to plant your seeds, take just the ones you want to use out of the freezer and let them sit on a counter, in a covered container, for a few days to thaw and stabilize before being planted. To preserve germination rates, minimize temperature, light and humidity fluctuations by storing your seeds at the back of the freezer and only taking them out when you're ready to use them.

What Does the "Packed For" Year Mean on the Back of Seed Packets?
Federal regulations require seed packets to include "Packed For" Year markings. The "Packed For" Year is not an expiration date, it is only an indicator of when the seeds were packaged. "Packed For" Years can help gardeners determine how viable (able to germinate) seeds are likely to be. If stored properly -- in a dark, cool, dry place -- most seeds will deliver high germination rates for several years after the "Packed For" date.

The Package with my Seeds in was Left Outside in Freezing and/or Rainy Weather. Will the Seeds Still Work?
As long as your seeds have not gotten wet they should work fine. Freezing temperatures will not hurt the seeds.

Are Your Seeds Treated?
No. The USDA Certified Organic Program prohibits the use of treated seeds. All of our seeds -- whether certified organic or not -- are untreated.

The Old Farmer's Almanac Organic Basil Seeds (Italian Large Leaf)