Are you sure it's basil? If so, do you know the variety?

FataMorgana

lol....Yah, I'm pretty sure it's basil I planted.

It is the curly leaf variety.

Had to ask. Mislabeling (sometimes by retailers) and confusion about what herbs people really have is common enough here.

I've never grown a "curly leaf" basil and have never experienced "hard" basil leaves, but I would suspect any toughness in the leaves would be associated with either the variety of basil and/or the growing conditions.

I live in Western NY State. We've had a very mercurial Spring and Summer so far. Lots of rain or no rain. Lots of heat or lots of coolness - the nights this week have been 49 - 50 degrees F. It has made for unusual growing conditions for this time of the year. I see you're in Canada. Perhaps your weather has been unusual as well?

FataMorgana