Herb, Isle of Naxos Basil
Item Details
A lettuce-leaf strain, this tall basil grows 24-30" and produces a steady crop of large, lush leaves, if its flowers are pinched off regularly. The basil came to Seed Savers Exchange from a longtime Seed Savers Exchange member, who received it from Jana Muhar. Muhar collected the seeds while living on the Greek island of Naxos.
- Organic
- Annual plants
- Plants will grow to 24-30 inches
Growing Instructions
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil.
- Start Indoors: 8-10 weeks before planting out
- Germination: 10-15 Days
- Plant Outdoors: 12-24” Apart
- Light: Full Sun
Ratings & Reviews
6 reviews
Low maintenance and a heady scent!
by Barbara
My son gave me some of your seeds as a gift. The Isle of Naxos basil was among them and so easy to grow. I started it indoors in seed pots and moved it outside to a deck planter where it flourished. I need more for next year!
Amazing, lush basil plants!
by M
I LOVE this basil. I grow this and also the Genovese basil and prefer this one, hands down. It is delicious, grows massive amounts, and is way more lush than the Genovese. I think it also has a better flavor -- less bitter and strong. So glad I grew a TON of this stuff. It's a great companion plant for lots of plants (tomatoes, peppers, etc.), so I put a few seeds in a bunch of holes all around those plants and now have a massive supply of basil all over the garden. Enjoy!
Grows Well in NorCal
by Nathaniel
This variety of basil did excellent in my garden in Redding California growing at the base of my tomato plants. I am guessing it liked our mediterranean climate. It makes delicious pesto. Will be buying it again.
Amazing Basil
by Joe
Last season was the first year I grew this basil. WOW from the time it formed the first leaves it was very fragrant. The plants produced very large leaves and were very prolific. The flavors are beautiful. I grow 5 types of basil and this is an instant favorite will be growing it every year.
My taste buds are crying in joy.
A Basil plant you MUST have
by Louis saccone
90% germination in my seed starting pods, however I lost many seedlings of my first round when early spring I took them outside with my other Basil startups.( late March in Tennessee). No issues on the second round in mid April . Wait for consistent warm weather in your area. It produces many leaves, most up to 3.5 inches in size. The Basil aroma , with a slight hint of licorice in the background, is not as strong as with some other varieties. This variety is best when the leaves are used in sauces or as flavor in meat recipes. For salads and final garnish I still prefer some of the other classic varieties of basil. The plants I let go to the flowering mode.were LOVED by all types of bees and butterflies. I never had so many beneficial insects in my garden! Next year I am planting exclusively Isle of Naxos Basil among my other plants and letting them flower as soon as it wants.
An undisputed winner for companion gardening and a strong contender in the Kitchen.
Another stellar basil
by Carla
This was another new basil for me to try for 2024 and I am so glad I did. It was a little slow to start but once it got going, it was fabulous. I am ordering again for next year.