Charles E. Voigt, state vegetable and herb specialist with University of Illinois Extension Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences offers these tips for producing and enjoying bombastic basil. Lettuce Leaf' and 'Monstruoso' are larger-leaved selections of this type. For pesto, 'Fino Verde,' 'Genovese' and 'Napolitano' are great choices. Green Bush,' 'Green Ruffles' and 'Greek Mini' are compact plants which are edging favorites. The diversity in the above mentioned varieties merely scratches the surface of the hundreds of species and varieties of basil available on the worldwide market.
Most basil is grown from seed as an annual or purchased as transplants.
Do not purchase transplants that show brown streaking on the stem. This is likely fusarium fungal disease, which causes sudden wilting of the leaves and the eventual death of the plant. It can also contaminate the soil for years. Fusarium has been a serious problem for the basil industry. Basil can be planted now.