Plant Database / Basil / Napolitano care

Basil 'Napolitano'

Ocimum basilicum

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Napolitano is a variety of Basil which is a member of the Ocimum family. Its botanical name is Ocimum basilicum 'Napolitano'.

Basil variety with large, fragrant leaves — in fact, this variety has the largest leaf of any basil. A good pesto basil. Slow to bolt. Flowers are edible.

This variety is an Herb that typically grows as an Annual, which is defined as a plant that matures and completes its lifecycle over the course of a single year. Napolitano is known for growing with a forb-like habit to a height of approximately 45.0 cm (that's 1.46 feet in imperial).

India is believed to be where Napolitano originates from.

Napolitano Basil is normally fairly low maintenance and quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Basil 'Napolitano' have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Basil 'Napolitano'

Full Sun
+
Medium

Pinch terminal shoots to encourage branching.
Harvest leaves before flowering occurs, or they will be bitter.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Napolitano is generally regarded as a half hardy plant, so remember to protect this plant from frosts and low temperatures. USDA Hardiness Zone 4 to 10 are typically the USDA Hardiness Zones that are appropriate for this plant (although this can vary based on your microclimate). Napolitano needs a loamy soil with a ph of 6.0 to 7.5 (weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil).

Growing Napolitano from seed

Sow 1-2 seeds/in. into soil when danger of frost has passed or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Cover with finely sieved compost.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.12 inches (0.3 cm). For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 10°C / 50°F.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Napolitano about 20 days before your last frost date.

Transplanting Napolitano

Plant out when frost risk has passed. Requires warm conditions. Pinch off heads to keep productive

Napolitano is half hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

By our calculations, you should look at planting out Napolitano about 21 days after your last frost date.

Harvesting Napolitano

This variety tends to mature and be ready for harvest in mid summer.