Basil[a] (Ocimum basilicum[b]), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. One such basil, called Napoletano, is prized for its spicy taste as well as its large, green leaves. You can learn about it here.What Is NapoletanoBasil: NapoletanoBasilPlantCare And Information. Tonya Barnett's avatar. Intermingle plants with other annuals in beds and pots for superior textural appeal.UsesCulinary herb for gardens and containers. Excellent for adding flavor to soups, sauces, fish and meat dishes. How to Grow and Care for Basil.This plant is also known as pistou basil, spicy bush basil, or boxwood basil. It is a dwarf sweet basil believed to descend from sweet basil varieties in India and Asia. The tiny leaves grow in small branching clumps, forming a small round globe shape. Care. Harvest. Succession plant. Legend. Start Indoors. Transplant.Sometimes called "lettuce leaf basil", napoletano has crinkled leaves that can reach up to 5" long! Large, mild-flavored leaves. Plants are slow to bolt. Basil grows best when it is guaranteed adequate drainage which is why they do best in pots or raised beds. Ensure good air flow between plants, by adequate spacing as basil is typically susceptible to fungal molds. BasilPlantCare: How To Take Care of Basils. Even though Basil is used in popular dishes like pesto and caprese salad, the plants are not as tolerant of freezing temperatures as some other herbs. Basil 'Napoletano' grows as a bushy plant, reaching up to 60cm (2ft) tall, and produces abundant foliage that is ready to harvest 6-8 weeks after sowing. If left unpicked, small white or lavender-pink flowers may appear in summer, adding ornamental value. Harvesting: Bolloso NapoletanoBasilplants typically reach a height of up to 3 feet and can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. Find help & information on Ocimum basilicum 'Napoletano' basil 'Napoletano' Annual Biennial from the RHS.'Napoletano' is a bushy cultivar, up to 60cm tall, with relatively large, crinkled leaves, to 10cm long, and white or lavender-pink flowers in summer. If you want a large basilplant, refrain from pinching the tip when the plant is 6 inches tall as most gardeners advise. Allow the plant to grow fast and furious until it is between 12-15 inches tall. Pinch not just the apical bud and the first pair of leaves as you would normally do. Here are the best Types of Basil that you can grow and enjoy fresh for their appearance, aroma, culinary and medicinal uses! If you’re a basil lover, you’ll love to grow these best Types of Basil. All of them are edible and perfect for growing in containers! 12". Bolloso NapoletanoBasil has huge 4" frilly, heavily textured leaves. Foliage is sweetly fragrant and spicy; never astringent. Has a hint of anise. Use the leaves much as lettuce leaves to make delicious mini wraps. Planting Directions: Plant seed indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost. Napoletanobasil (Ocimum basilicum) is an Italian variety. The very leafy, dense plant reaches 1½ to two feet in height. Originating in Naples, it does best in areas with warm summers.