Description
Lettuce Leaf Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum 'Crispum'
Lettuce leaf basil has very large, crinkly and highly aromatic leaves and small white flowers. It has been described as having a clove and minty taste or alternatively a mild spicy, peppery taste. It is great in salads and excellent for using in pesto and herbal oils. Due to its lighter green colour it can offer a different choice to the traditional dark green sweet basil.
An Italian variety, lettuce leaf or Crispum Basil is one of the most productive basils. The large, curly leaves are 10-15 cm long on a compact bush. The plant may grow up to 30cm high and is slower to flower, so the harvest period is longer. The leaves hold their flavour well in hot conditions.
Each basil variety has distinctive features, however, the general properties and growing conditions are very similar and details can be found in our Basil entry.
